Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo has a LeBron James-like dream which stops him from retirement

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Sherwin Shaju | Last updated Jul 8, 2024 10:18 AM ET

Despite being 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is far from hanging up his boots. The Portuguese veteran did not enjoy much success with the Portuguese national team at the 2024 Euros, having failed to score a single goal in five appearances. He also missed a crucial penalty against Slovenia in the Round of 16, and burst out in tears following the same.

Despite his deteriorating form and goal scoring ability, the player has a ‘dream’ that prevents him from hanging up his boots anytime soon! According to former Chelsea player Adrian Mutu, the player hopes to share the pitch with his son, Cristiano Jr. in the near future. Recently, basketball sensation LeBron James extended his contract with Los Angeles Lakers to realize his dream of playing with son Bronny James .

Lakers drafted the 19-year-old in their second-round draft pick out of USC. Cristiano Jr. is currently 14 years old and last played for Al-Nassr’s under 13 team.

LeBron James and his Son, Bronny James on the same team 18 years late..

Iconic

We might see Ronaldo and son repeat this in Portugal 2 years from now. pic.twitter.com/JMe8Qe1Q7l
— Chude Nnamdi (@chude__) June 27, 2024

It is likely that the teenager will be called up to represent Al-Nassr‘s senior team in the space of 3 years. Both father and son had expressed their desire to share the pitch in earlier interviews.

Former Chelsea star drops hint of Cristiano Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. sharing the pitch in the future

Former Chelsea man Adrian Mutu linked up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. a few months ago. Speaking to iAM SPORT in Romania, Mutu said that Ronaldo wishes to play at least a game with his son at professional level.

The fact that he wants to play an official match with his son is what keeps him from giving up. At Al-Nassr, it's possible. At Real Madrid, it's difficult. Adrian Mutu said in an interview (via the Daily Mail)

After blowing off some steam following Portugal’s exit from the Euros, Ronaldo will join Al-Nassr ahead of the 2024/25 season. The player is yet to win a League title with the club, having missed out on the title to either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad. On the other hand, Ronaldo’s former Portugal teammate Pedro Mendes wants the 39-year-old to join Inter Miami and call time on his career alongside Lionel Messi.

Mutu: "Cristiano Ronaldo's real motivation right now is to play at least a game alongside his son, Cristiano Jr. That's what keeps him going". #ronaldo #EURO2024 #CR7 #CristianoRonaldo
Mutu visited Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia in May. (iamsport) pic.twitter.com/gbzEs2Vk0l
— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) July 7, 2024

According to Mendes, the two playing together at Inter Miami will greatly help the popularity of the sport in the USA and also be a fairytale ending to both of their careers. As for Messi, business is not yet done at the Copa America, as Argentina take on Canada in the semi-final on the 9th of June.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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