Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he can play football for another 10 years. The 31-year-old Portuguese signed a new 5-year-long contract with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit that will keep him at Los Blancos until 2021.
Ronaldo’s earlier contract with the 11-time European Champions was scheduled to culminate in 2018 but the Portuguese has expressed his desire to retire at Santiago Bernabeu on many occasions and from the looks of it, his wish has been granted.
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Speaking at the press conference, Ronaldo said: "What I most want is to continue enjoying the years I have left to play. I still have 10 years.”
However, Ronaldo didn’t rule out the possibility of a potential exit from Real Madrid in the future. The Portuguese also insisted that the new contract is not the last that he is signing in his career.
“No one knows what the future holds. I'm going to be here for another five years, but let it be known this will not be my last contract. Of course, I would like to end my career at this club, this is my penultimate contract, I want to be here for many years to come. I want to continue re-writing history at this club."
Ronaldo reiterated his love for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit and insisted that his time with the club has been special in his life.
"I have said many times that I carry this club in my heart, it is part of me and it is a special time in my life.”
It has been reported that the new deal will make Ronaldo the highest paid player at Real Madrid – overtaking Gareth Bale – and the Portuguese is set to earn around £365,000 per week after taxes.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also backed the statements of the 31-year-old and insisted that he wants the Superstar to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for many more years to come.
He said: "We want to be together for many years to come."
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane expressed his delight at Ronaldo extending his contract and also reiterated that the new contract gives Ronaldo the opportunity to end his career with Los Blancos, like the World Cup winner did many years ago.
"It is his dream to end his career here. I am happy that he can renew [his contract] and finish with this white shirt like I did a long time ago,” Zidane said.
Gareth Bale also extended his contract with the La Liga giants last week, with the new deal keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2022 – one year more than Ronaldo.
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