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Ex-Real Madrid man defying family's retirement wish in bid for history
Already the most prolific goalscorer in men’s football history, Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to reach the incredible milestone of 1,000 career goals. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed earlier this month that he is keen to achieve more history in the sport, despite his family’s pleas for him to retire.
After being awarded the inaugural Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globe Awards on 7 October, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said: “I want to keep playing for a few years, not many, I have to be honest. I want to thank all my team-mates, for having learned from all of them – and even from this younger generation as well. For me, it's a privilege to be with you.
”People, especially my family, say, 'It's time for you to stop. You've done everything. Why do you want to score a thousand goals?' But I don't think so. I think I'm still producing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, and why not keep going? I'm sure that when it's over, I'll leave feeling fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don't have many more years, but I try to enjoy the few I have to the fullest.
“If it were 20 years ago, I would say I wanted to 'eat the world.’ Now I don't see things that way. Age allows you to think differently. I have a philosophy of living day by day. Things go by so quickly, things change, and you can't make long-term plans. Right now, I make short-term plans because it gives me more energy that way. It gives me more of a will to live. That's what I try to do: enjoy each day, training session by training session, game by game. The rest will soon be seen.”