Madrid (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo signalled his intention to keep playing for 10 more years after rounding off a “dream year” by signing a bumper new five-year contract with Real Madrid on Monday.
The deal, expected to protect Ronaldo’s status as the world’s highest paid footballer, will keep the Portuguese tied to the European champions until he is 36.
“What I most want is to continue enjoying the years I have left to play. I still have 10 years (ahead),” Ronaldo said after signing what he insisted will be his penultimate contract.
The three-time World Player of the Year has enjoyed his most successful year at a collective level, scoring the winning penalty as Madrid won the Champions League for an 11th time in May before captaining Portugal to their first major tournament win at Euro 2016.
“After the season I’ve had, to win the Champions League, the Euros and then renew my contract with Real Madrid it is something I never imagined. It is a dream year.”
