Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu believes Cristiano Ronaldo will delay retiring until he can play with his son Cristiano Jr.

“That’s Ronaldo’s real motivation. He wants to play alongside his son in an official match. That’s why Ronaldo doesn’t give up,” Mutu told Romanian newspaper iAM SPORT .

Mutu made this comment possibly because he visited Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia in May, and Ronaldo shared his desire to play with his 14-year-old son Cristiano Jr.

Ronaldo trains with his son at Man Utd. Photo: Instagram/@cristiano

Cristiano Jr, born in 2010, followed in his father’s footsteps and was trained at the academies of Real Madrid, Juventus, Man Utd and Al Nassr. He was praised for having the same qualities as his father. If he excels, Cristiano Jr can play professionally from the age of 16 like Spain’s Lamine Yamal, meaning Ronaldo only needs to wait two more years. By then, he will be 41 years old.

However, according to Mutu, the day Ronaldo plays alongside his son could come even sooner. “At Al Nassr, it is entirely possible. If Ronaldo played for another club, Real Madrid for example, that wish would be more difficult to fulfill. However, the prospect of father and son playing together, even for part of a match, within the next year is impossible,” Mutu said.

Mutu visits Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Photo: X/@Emishor

Ronaldo had just reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with Portugal before being eliminated by France in a penalty shootout. This was the first major tournament Ronaldo had attended without scoring (since Euro 2004), despite having opportunities. Typically, such as passing to a teammate to score instead of finishing in a one-on-one match against Turkey in the group stage, or missing a penalty in extra time against Slovenia in the round of 16.

The 39-year-old striker has not confirmed when he will play or whether he will participate in the next tournament with Portugal. When asked about the future of Ronaldo and 41-year-old center-back Pepe after Euro 2024, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said: “At the moment, no personal decisions have been made.”

Shortly after, Ronaldo posted on his personal page hinting that he might continue playing for the national team. “On and off the pitch, I am sure this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built together,” he wrote.

Ronaldo holds the record for most international appearances, playing 212 times and scoring 130 goals. His best achievement with the national team was winning Euro 2016, Portugal’s first international trophy.