Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he harbours dreams of becoming a football manager after his playing career is over. The superstar also revealed in an interview that he believes Real Madrid can replicate last season’s successful Champions League campaign.
Speaking to World Soccer, Ronaldo spoke about his club’s ambition to lift the Champions League trophy a record 12th time and how the previous year’s experience will help them achieve the feat.
He said, “I think we can win the Champions League twice in a row. When you play for Real Madrid you have to believe that you can. We have a great team and a great manager. We have the experience from last year. We know it’s a tough competition and that you need a bit of luck but it’s a good challenge for us and the club. I’m confident that we can win it again.”
The Portuguese forward, who led his country to a famous Euro Cup victory earlier this year in France, believes that the previous season was his best season of his playing career. He played a stellar role for his country but was unfortunately forced off the field early in the final against hosts France after taking a knock.
“Last year was probably my best season,” Ronaldo said. “As far as titles go, I think so. Every year of my career has been incredible but this one was special. We won the first major trophy in Portuguese history and also because Real Madrid won the Champions League.”
Ronaldo, a favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year, had an amazing season in 2015-16. He scored an incredible 35 goals in 36 appearances in La Liga as the Los Blancos finished second only behind rivals Barcelona. However, the Santiago Bernabeu side won their 11th Champions League title with Ronaldo top-scoring with 16 goals.
When inquired whether the former Manchester United star, who arrived in Spain for a then world record transfer fee of £80m, would consider taking up management in future, Ronaldo said that he had no such plans as of yet. However, he left the possibility hanging by saying that maybe he might change his decision in 5-6 years.
“I think a lot about it,” he said. “Right now I don’t want to be a manager. In a few years, people will say that I have the right profile but I don’t want to be. It’s too complicated. At the moment I just want to focus on my football, my passion. Nobody knows what the future holds. In five, six, seven years I might change my mind and become a manager.”
Ronaldo has already showcased his managerial skills when he shouted instructions at his teammates in the Euro Cup final and also previously in a Copa Del Rey final against Barcelona. He was forced out with injuries on both occasions but still went on to motivate his side from the touchline.
