I don’t want to end up like him in retirement – Frankie Dettori takes dig at Ronaldo

Legendary jockey, Frankie Dettori, has aimed a dig at Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent struggles as he announced his retirement from horse racing.

Ronaldo has been widely criticised in recent weeks for failing to come to terms with a new role that reflects his age.

The 37-year-old was accordingly dropped to the bench by both Manchester United and Portugal.

Ronaldo is now a free agent but was seen training with his former club Real Madrid last week and Dettori has now made it clear he does not want to end his career in the same way.

“I have been thinking about it for a few weeks and I have decided with the firepower I have next year and the horses I have to ride, I can finish my career on a big note. Fingers crossed I stay in one piece and we will give it a good go next year,” Dettori told ITV.

“Look at Ronaldo, one day, he was playing and he is on the bench the next. I don’t want to end up like that and end up where I am struggling to get rides in the big races. At the moment, I still have good horses to ride and I want to finish like that.

“I want to be competitive enough to do my owners and my horses justice next year and I think I am still in that bracket of being good. It was difficult, but it’s the right time.”