Cristiano Ronaldo says he plans to own “several clubs” after revealing his plans for when he finally hangs up his boots.
The five-time Ballon d’Or-winning football great turns 40 today but is showing no signs of slowing down and rarely talks about his post-retirement plans with focus usually on prolonging his playing days for as long as possible.
But rather going down the coaching or punditry route as many former players do, Ronaldo has set his sights on building an empire of clubs.
In an interview with Spanish TV station La Sexta, Ronaldo said: “I don’t think my personality is well suited to being a coach. Almost impossible.
“I have been in football all my life… and being a coach is more complicated than being a player.”
He continued: “Owning a club? That is something that makes more sense. It is not something I rule out, if there is a good business. I do not have a club in my head, football is very momentary.”
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“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to be director of a club,” Ronaldo added to Portuguese TV network Canal 11.
“If I can be a club owner, why would I be a manager, sporting director or CEO? That is a dream of mine and I am sure I’ll be a club owner.
“And I’ll tell you more: I hope to have not just one club, but several clubs.”
Ronaldo is reported to have been offered a five per cent stake in current club Al-Nassr as part of a £154million-a-year contract extension.
His ownership ambitions could see him emulate fellow former Manchester United star David Beckham’s career path since retirement, with the Englishman currently the owner of MLS side Inter Miami.
