Cristiano Ronaldo questioned Tom Brady about his readiness to retire from the NFL just 24 hours before the great quarterback reconsidered his decision.
Across the Atlantic, the 44-year-old has had a Hall of Fame career.
After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to defend their championship following a play-off loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he resigned from the sport.
It appeared to be the end for arguably the greatest player in sports history, but he revealed on Sunday night that he was returning, just six weeks after retiring.
“Over the last two months, I’ve understood that my place is still on the pitch, not in the stands,” he stated. That moment will arrive. But that isn’t the case right now. I adore my teammates, as well as my loving family. They are the ones who make it all possible. I’m returning to Tampa for my 23rd season. LFG has unfinished business.”
Brady spent Saturday night in Manchester, cheering on his two sons from the stands at Old Trafford.
He stood there watching Cristiano Ronaldo, another player credited with defying his age, score a hat-trick in a key win over Tottenham that boosted their top-four hopes.
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Following the game, the two exchanged some words on the field.
“Always a joy and a honor to share some thoughts and ideas with another GOAT…” Ronaldo tweeted alongside a photo of the two.
Now, footage of the two talking has surfaced, in which the United star replies, “You’re finished right?”
Brady refuses to say yes and makes gestures as if he is undecided.
The Buccaneers, who are controlled by United’s owners, the Glazers, tweeted after the announcement: “He’s baaackkkk.”
During his long career with the New England Patriots, Brady earned six Super Bowl rings. The first one was released in 2001, and the last one was released in 2018.
In his first season in Florida, he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the Super Bowl in their own stadium, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs.
Brady was the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (84,250) and touchdown passes (84). (624).
Brady first stated that his choice to retire was influenced by his family. He desired to devote more time to his wife and three children.
Despite his decision, Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians told reporters that the “door was never closed” on a future comeback, and that “whenever Tom wants back, he’s back.”
“I’m just going to take things as they come,” Brady stated in February. That, I believe, is the greatest way to phrase it, and I don’t believe anything, because you never say never.”
