Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring after the World Cup but has decided to extend his career, believing he can still help Portugal achieve further success while chasing a personal milestone of 1,000 career goals.
The 41-year-old, who confirmed in the summer that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, has been included in Jorge Jesus’ 25-man squad for Portugal’s Nations League campaign, which begins against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. The Group A4 fixture against Craig Bellamy’s side is scheduled for a 19:45 BST kick-off at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Speaking before the match, the Al-Nassr forward set his sights on the 21 goals he needs to reach the 1,000 mark. Asked whether he had thought about retiring from international duty after the World Cup, Ronaldo replied: “Yes I did. Of course, I’m always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also. I’m a thinker, you have to think.”
The former Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player said discussions with the Portuguese federation president and the national coach helped shape his decision, and that he still believes he has something to offer beyond scoring. “I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want,” he said. “I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.”
A two-time Nations League winner with Portugal, Ronaldo made clear that adding a third title carries as much weight for him as his own goal tally. “Both aims are important,” he said. “One thousand goals, yes, and the national team. Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow, it’s a new age.”
Portugal’s current squad features a group of young talents, among them Fábio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, João Neves and Francisco Conceição. Ronaldo said the chance to help that new generation was a pivotal factor in his decision to keep representing his country, and joked that he intends to keep playing for another decade. “This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games,” he explained. “For me the most important thing, I know what I am. I know what I do to be here, to have the success that I have. I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am retired… in 10 years!”
He added that his own emotional state, rather than whether he starts or rests in a given match, is what matters most to him. “I’m happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game, for me the most important thing is that I feel good.”
Speaking at a press conference in Lisbon, Portugal boss Jesus described Ronaldo as “a symbol of Portugal and the national team”. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 and is set to win his 234th cap against Wales, also addressed the criticism he has faced over the course of his career, particularly during his spells with leading clubs in England, Spain and Italy. “This is possibly where I have felt most cared,” he said of Portugal. “From the fans, I also feel the Portuguese like me. I do understand that some TV channels like to criticise me, they’ve tried to kill me with a shotgun, but I can still move away from it. Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me.”