Ronaldo Looks To Open ‘CR7’ Hotels After Football

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is already looking towards life after football as he unveiled plans to invest over €37 million ($40m) in hotels bearing his ‘CR7’ moniker in his native Portugal, Madrid and New York.

“Many footballers finish their careers without knowing what they want to do. For me it’s clear – I want to take care of my brands,” Ronaldo told AFP on Thursday.

The triple Ballon d’Or winner unveiled his plans to link up with the Pestana Hotel Group, who like him are natives of Madeira, with ‘CR7’ hotels planned in three cities linked to his career – Funchal, Lisbon and Madrid – and another in New York where he has been linked with Major League Soccer in the future.

“At 30 years I still have a lot of options, I have great support around me, I’m really very happy,” insisted Ronaldo, adding “other projects will come. What I want is that my name will always be the best in whatever domain I work”.

Ronaldo already looked at ease in his grey businessman’s suit and red tie as he discussed his plans for the future in the lounge of one of Pestana’s luxury hotels in Lisbon.

Although he hopes his footballing career will continue “another six, seven or even ten years”, it is out of the question that he will follow a career on the touchline.

“I don’t see myself as a coach, it’s not my ambition,” he said. “But who knows if I’ll change my mind!”