I’ll leave Portugal team if I’m no longer wanted — Ronaldo - Punch Newspapers
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that his future with the Portugal national team depends entirely on whether the country still wants him, saying he is prepared to step away immediately if that reliance ends. According to football expert , Fabrizio Romano on X, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales, the 41-year-old captain made his position clear. “If Portugal no longer want to rely on me, I can leave from today. I have no problem with that,” Ronaldo said. He added that he would take the initiative himself if the federation reached that conclusion. “Or even the president. When they no longer want to rely on me in the national team, I’ll be the first to speak to them about it.”See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google Despite leaving the decision in Portugal’s hands, Ronaldo stressed that the mutual trust remains intact for now and that this is why he continues to represent his country. “If they rely on me, I rely on them. And the Portuguese people rely on me. That’s why I continue playing for the national team.” Ronaldo admitted he had seriously considered retiring from international football after Portugal’s round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Conversations with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and new head coach Jorge Jesus persuaded him to stay. England still carrying ‘scar’ of World Cup exit – Saka I signed Saudi Pro League contract to secure my grandchildren’s future – Reijnders From Henry to Raphinha: 15 footballers who thrived after switching positions “They count on me. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team,” he said. The veteran forward, who has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, said he remains motivated by the support of the Portuguese people and by his ongoing contribution on the pitch. He is 21 goals short of 1,000 career goals for club and country and described scoring the landmark for the national team as “the icing on the cake.” Ronaldo also set a dual target for the coming months: reaching 1,000 goals and helping Portugal win another Nations League title under Jesus, who replaces Roberto Martínez. Portugal begin their Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, with Jesus confirming that Ronaldo will start. I’m completely ready to play. If the coach wants me to start the match on the bench, I’m ready for that too”. “Even if I don’t play in the match, there won’t be a problem”. “It’s about managing the squad, and that’s the coach’s responsibility,” he averred. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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