Lower your standards - Ex- Madrid star tells Ronaldo

Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has advised Ronaldo to lower his standards.

Despite ongoing speculation about Ronaldo's future, a Real Madrid return is off the table. A poignant return to Sporting Lisbon, where his career began, is gaining momentum.

The 40-year-old, currently with Al-Nassr, is reportedly considering his options as his contract nears its end. While his time in Riyadh has been globally observed, the lack of major trophies is prompting him and his entourage to contemplate the final stage of his iconic career.

Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has weighed in on the situation, firmly dismissing any possibility of a return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking to CasinoHawks, Morientes praised Ronaldo’s unmatched legacy at Madrid, where the forward became the club's all-time leading scorer with 450 goals across a glittering nine-year spell.

He said, “As a footballer, we Real Madrid fans enjoyed Cristiano's best years at the Bernabeu. The impact he's had on modern football has been incredible.

“As you get older, obviously not just him, but everyone, expectations and ambitions change and you have to lower your standards a bit. I think when a player of that age joins the Saudi Pro League, it's to finish his professional footballing career and begin retirement.

“I don't know if he has any special motivation to wear a shirt; for example, Sporting Lisbon's was where he started. Obviously, Real Madrid's is almost impossible now.

“I like to see him where I see him, and I'd like him to retire wherever he wants to. I really like those players who start out with one team and end up retiring there. I don't know if Cristiano would have that motivation to do so at Sporting.”

Ronaldo’s career has been defined by records and trophies, from his breakthrough at Manchester United to his historic reign at Real Madrid, and later stints at Juventus and Al-Nassr.

Now, as one of football’s most storied careers edges toward its end, fans around the world are watching closely to see where the final whistle will blow.