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Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players to have graced the game.
The Portuguese, who turns 37 next month, has shown no signs of slowing down yet. Moving to the Premier League last summer at an age when most players retire or move to less competitive leagues says a lot about his mentality and desire.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has kept himself fit and productive over the years, which is very praiseworthy. However, father time eventually catches up with everyone, and the legendary attacker is no exception.
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In fact, it wouldn't far be too far-fetched to say that Cristiano Ronaldo could call time on his illustrious career in the next two to three years. Of course, when he does that, he is certain to go down as one of the best in the game's history.
On that note, here's a look at five clubs where the iconic player could retire at:
#5 Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo represented Juventus between 2018 and 2021. The attacker bagged an impressive 101 goals and 22 assists for the Bianconeri in 134 appearances across three seasons. He also won two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups.
Unfortunately, he couldn't fulfil his dream of leading the Old Lady to a Champions League triumph before leaving for Manchester United last year. That suggests the Portuguese has unfinished business in Turin.
Although it somehow looks unlikely, the possibility of the attacker giving it a second try at the club and probably retiring there cannot be completely ruled out.
#4 Real Madrid
It goes without saying that Cristiano Ronaldo spent the brightest days of his career at Real Madrid. During his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, the attacker contributed 450 goals and 132 assists in 438 games in all competitions across nine seasons.
He also led Los Blancos to four Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups and many others. So the prospect of returning and eventually retiring at the club where he played his best football is quite enticing.
Thanks to his popularity there, the Portuguese could get a heroic welcome in the Spanish capital. It remains to be seen if such a move happens in the near future, though.
#3 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is another possible club where Cristiano Ronaldo could call time on his career.
PSG have become a top destination for the world's biggest superstars in the last few years. The Parisians sent shockwaves across the globe when they signed the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer. It wouldn't be a surprise if Ronaldo follows suit in the near future.
Rumours have, over the years, linked the Portuguese with a transfer to the Parc des Princes. On a realistic note, the French giants are just one of the very few clubs who have both the desire and ability to sign Ronaldo.
The possibility of finally playing in the same team as Lionel Messi - with whom he has dominated the sport for years - could be an enticing proposition. The presence of his former Real Madrid colleague Sergio Ramos could also play a role in convincing Ronaldo to make a final move to PSG.
#2 Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United after parting ways with Juventus last summer. The Portuguese signed a two-year contract at Old Trafford, which is expected to keep him at the club till the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
By the time the attacker's contract will be up at the Theatre of Dreams, he would be past 38. At that age, there may not be much left for the attacker to accomplish. It won't be a surprise if he ends up calling time on his career or signing a one-year extension at United before hanging up his boots.
#1 Sporting Lisbon
Should the attacker decide to make one final move after his second Manchester United spell, one of the most realistic destinations is returning to Sporting Lisbon.
Speaking about the possibility of such a transfer happening in the future, Sporting president Frederico Varandas told Sic Noticias in May 2021:
"I think he (Cristiano Ronaldo) will play here one day.
"Cristiano was among the first to send me a message to congratulate us for the championship victory. Obviously his return here depends on him: in addition to being a great player, Cristiano is a great fan of Sporting."
It is worth noting that Cristiano Ronaldo announced himself as a future star during his days with Sporting Lisbon. The winger played in the club's youth system and made it into the senior team before being snapped up by United in 2003, and the rest is history.
Reportedly, Ronaldo's mother Maria Dolores also wants her son to play for Sporting Lisbon before he ends his illustrious career.
