Ronaldo and Zidane hoping for Ballon d'Or winner

Ronaldo and Zidane hoping for Ballon d'Or winner to retire at Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo plans to retire at Real Madrid but knows the decision remains up to the club, though Zinedine Zidane will be in his corner after expressing hope for a contract renewal.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner capped an outstanding year with the only goal in the Club World Cup final on Saturday, securing Madrid's fifth title of 2017 through a 1-0 triumph over Gremio.

Ronaldo then confirmed his intention to spend the rest of his career with the European and world champions, despite suggesting earlier in the season that he would not extend his existing deal beyond 2021.

"If possible, I would like to [retire at Madrid]," he said. "But it does not depend on me, because I'm not the boss of the club. We'll see."

Asked about Ronaldo's future, Zidane added: "For us, it is fundamental that Cristiano stays all his life.

"He is in his club, in his house and what he has done, no one else is going to do it. So I hope he continues like this until his retirement."

World champs Ronaldo goal gives Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo eager to secure new contract after CWC 

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a free-kick to help Real Madrid claim its third Club World Cup title after beating Brazilian team Gremio 1-0 Saturday.

The Ballon d’Or winner fired his right-footed shot between two players in Gremio’s defensive wall, leaving goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe no hope of reaching the ball before it bounced inside the post in the 53rd minute.

Madrid defended the title it won last season as it collected its fifth trophy of 2017, along with the Champions League, Spanish league, European Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup.

Ronaldo celebrated the goal by rushing to Madrid’s dugout where he was embraced by his teammates. The goal increased Ronaldo’s record to seven goals in the competition. He also scored in Madrid’s 2-1 comeback win over Al Jazira in the semifinals.

“What am I going to say? The numbers speak for themselves. I am very happy. The team played fantastically well and it has won another title,” Ronaldo said. “We played a very good game and deserved the victory.”