‘I’ve realised my place is still on the field:’ Ronaldo chat inspires Tom Brady to reverse retirement decision

A conversation between Cristiano Ronaldo and Tom Brady may have persuaded the seven-time Super Bowl winner to stay in the game.

Brady was at Old Trafford on Saturday to see Manchester United defeat Tottenham 3-2 thanks to a Ronaldo hat-trick.

For the Portuguese – who turned 37 last February – advancing years clearly aren’t a barrier to performing at the top level.

And when the pair spoke after the game, the first signs emerged that Brady was wavering on his retirement call.

Finished

Cristiano asked Brady: “You’re finished, right?”, to which the NFL icon replied with what sounded like: “That’s what I don’t know.”

Brady and his family were at Old Trafford as guests of United owners the Glazers - who also own the Buccaneers.

Hours later, American football fans got the news they were hoping for when Brady officially confirmed he was coming back for his 23rd season in Tampa.

“These past two months I’ve realised my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” he tweeted.

“That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family.

Unfinished business

“They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG.”

Brady is considered by many to be the greatest quarterback in NFL history, having made his name during a stellar 20-year spell with the New England Patriots.

He moved to Tampa Bay and led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title following the 2020 season.

Brady cited his desire to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and their three children when he decided to walk away from the game on February 1.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians had told reporters that the "door was never closed" on a Brady return, and "whenever Tom wants back, he's back".