“That will be tough” - Cristiano Ronaldo names ‘most difficult part’ of his career, admits he isn’t ready to watch Cristiano Jr go through it

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that the toughest part of his career was leaving home at just the age of 11.

While speaking on the Whoop Podcast, the Portuguese sensation also claimed that he isn't ready to let his son, Cristiano Jr, go through the same ordeal. Ronaldo currently plies his trade for Al-Nassr, while his son represents the club's under-13 setup.

At the moment, both father and son stay in the same household. However, claiming that his son stepping away isn't something Ronaldo is ready for, the 39-year-old said:

"I moved [away from home] at the age of 11 from Madeira to Lisbon. It’s hard to be honest, probably the most difficult part in terms of my professional career. It was hard to leave my family in Madeira to follow my dream in Lisbon."

“I can see my son Cristiano Jr now and I don’t know If I will be capable to let him go [away from home] at this age. That will be tough," he added.

Ronaldo has enjoyed a stellar career so far, representing top European clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has scored 757 senior club career goals and has set up 237 more from 1009 appearances across competitions.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has also lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy on five occasions. He has won the Premier League title thrice, while winning the La Liga and the Serie A two times each.

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When Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about challenges in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo decided to take the plunge and move to Saudi Arabia in January 2023. After a fallout with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, the Portuguese forward had his contract mutually terminated in November 2022.

Since moving to Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has performed fairly well, having scored 56 goals and assisted 14 in 60 appearances across competitions. However, he admitted to facing challenges regarding training timings in the Middle East.

The former Juventus man said about it in 2023 (via SPORTbible):

"The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler. But I have gotten used to that now. The fans here have been incredible to me, welcoming me, and those that follow me to continue on this amazing journey."

Cristiano Ronaldo will next be in action for Al-Nassr when they face Al-Hilal in a league fixture on Friday (May 17).

Al-Nassr have already lost out on the league title this season, sitting second and 12 points behind leaders Al-Hilal with three games remaining.