Cristiano Ronaldo's former Portugal teammate Nuno Gomes has suggested that the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, could provide an opportunity for the 40-year-old to say goodbye on home soil. Ronaldo has repeatedly stated that this summer's tournament in North America will be his sixth and final World Cup, but Gomes believes the prospect of a home World Cup might change his mind.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gomes said: 'It's a difficult question. I think only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer because I think he is doing year by year at this age. I think he's still fit to play. He's a really professional player and one of the players that we can point as an example to follow for the young generations.'
Gomes acknowledged that Ronaldo's physical attributes have diminished with age, but emphasised his continued ability to score goals. 'Of course he has his age and his capacity is reduced in some qualities, in speed for example. He's not the same Cristiano when he was 18 or 20, but he's still capable to score goals, and in football, it's the most important thing, to score goals and he's still scoring,' he added.
The former striker also noted that Ronaldo's role depends on the national team coach, Roberto Martinez, and whether he adapts the team to include the veteran. 'I think it will depend on his will, to play more or not. But probably I could tell that it could be his last World Cup. Even though we know that in four years we are hosting some games. And maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home,' Gomes concluded.
Ronaldo's greatest international achievement came in 2016 when Portugal won the European Championship. At the last World Cup, Portugal were eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals. The Al-Nassr star recently received a boost when FIFA put two matches of his ban on hold following a red card against Ireland, allowing him to play in the upcoming World Cup.
