Al-Nassr midfielder Otavio has revealed that he asked Cristiano Ronaldo to contemplate the idea of playing at the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to impress fans and pundits around the world finishing the calendar as its top scorer at 38 years old.
The Portuguese’s influence has elevated the Saudi Pro League after inspiring several players to make the move to the Middle East in the summer.
Despite entering his final years in football, he still managed to keep his place in the Portugal national team and aims to reach a record 250 caps according to head coach Roberto Martinez.
With only 205 caps so far, the former Everton manager’s claim meant that Ronaldo would have to remain an active player until the upcoming World Cup.
Otavio spoke about Ronaldo and lifted the lid on a conversation he had with the Portugal captain regarding his future.
“Cristiano is always joking, saying that the time is coming, but I already told him: ‘You’re going to have a great European Championship and you’re already going to think about playing at the World Cup’,” Otavio told Ojogo.
“In football, you can never choose the day you stop, or the day you go here or there. It’s whatever we can, whatever we can do.
“If he lasts until he’s 45 years old at this level, scoring 50 goals a year, he’ll want to continue. If the body can handle it, it will be like this.
“He doesn’t think about it but instead thinks about having a great end to the season at Al Nassr, getting to the 2024 Euros, and hopefully winning the title. Then he will think about the future,” he added.