“Conscious Decision to Leave”- Cristiano Ronaldo’s Former Teammate Opens Up on Drastic Career Change From Soccer to Aviation

Imagine if Cristiano Ronaldo had never chosen soccer as his career! The soccer world would indeed have lost one of its greatest gems. Perhaps it was written in the stars that he ought to become a pro soccer player. However, that wasn’t the case for his former Portugal teammate, Costinha.

Both players took the same train with one ambition, to become professional soccer players. The players crossed each other’s paths on February 24, 2001, as both were representing their nation in the Under-15 match against South Africa. A goal from Ronaldo helped his nation clinch victory, and it was also a sign that marked the historical rise of Ronaldo.

The striker went on to become one of the best players in the world, thus earning a significant limelight. Even at the age of 38, the player continues to shine. While Ronaldo continues with his soccer antics, Costinha decided to quit soccer at the age of 25 and pursue a dream career in aviation.

Former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo has a new dream job

Costinha now aged 37, is living his days as a passionate flight attendant. A few months back, the player opened up about the drastic switch to Maisfutebol. “Football in the lower divisions is very physical, it started to bring me problems, I was constantly injured,” he said.

“When I saw that I was no longer going to reach a high level, that I was unable to do so, I made the conscious decision to leave. Many let themselves be dragged along too late, you even had legitimacy for that, to believe, because I had a very promising start. But when I realized that it wasn’t going to be as good as I thought, I focused on other solutions.”

Costinha kicked off his career with Vitoria, however, he failed to break into the first team. Thus, resulting in him falling into the country’s lower domestic leagues. After enjoying spells in the lower division, the player called it quits in 2011. Soon the player started working for an insurance company. But soon he quit that too after his colleague suggested he go into aviation.

“I love to travel, discover contrasting realities like Sao Tome and Principe or New York, where I was recently, and then return to our Portugal. It is a career that excites me, although I was away from the company for two years before returning permanently.”

READ MORE: Months Ahead of Controversial Manchester United Exit, Cristiano Ronaldo’s $85 Million Transfer Plan Was Ruined by Arch-Rivals Liverpool

The player revealed that he had to switch paths during the pandemic, thus joining the real estate business. But he soon made a return to aviation, while suggesting he met Jose Mourinho on air.

Barely gets a recognition

While talking about his career switch, the player revealed he barely gets recognized as a soccer player. “Look, just a couple of weeks ago I brought Mario Rui from Italy to Portugal, when he was called up to the national team. And before COVID I brought Jose Mourinho, who is even from my area. But I’m no longer recognized as I used to be in the early years and I’m reserved in that respect, I never say I was a football player.”

The former midfielder was proud to share the pitch with Ronaldo and is quite lucky while reflecting on his soccer career. “I think that the most emblematic moment of his career was really the first game for the national team, in the under-15s. Even today, I get goosebumps when I hear the anthem.”

Costinha said the moment was more emblematic as Ronaldo also debuted that day. Moreover, he also had kind words for the current Portugal skipper. “Deep down, I feel privileged. I had the opportunity to play football, and we have to be aware that it is not for everyone, it is not easy to make a career in football. I prefer to see the glass half-full. Nowadays, I am privileged, lucky, because I have another dream profession,” he added.

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