Ronaldo vows to keep playing for Portugal, reveals two dreams before retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup but decided to continue playing for Portugal, with two targets driving him on: winning another Nations League title and reaching 1,000 career goals.

The 41-year-old, who has earned 233 caps for Portugal, said he discussed his future with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca and head coach Jorge Jesus before deciding to remain available for the national team.

"Yes, I did," Ronaldo said when asked if he had considered walking away after the World Cup. "Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present also. I'm a thinker; you have to think. This is why you see me here now, it means I will continue."

Ronaldo said he still believes he can contribute to a Portugal side entering a new phase under Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez.

"I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want," he said. "I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football."

The veteran forward added that he would leave the national team if he felt Portugal no longer wanted him.

"Whenever they say they don't want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go," Ronaldo said. "When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go."

Ronaldo's immediate focus is clear. Asked about his ambitions, he said: "My goal is twofold: to score my 1,000th goal and to win the UEFA Nations League."

Ronaldo is 21 goals away from the 1,000-goal landmark across club and international football. He insisted the target is not an obsession but acknowledged that reaching it would be a significant moment in his career.

"I know I will achieve it, but it is not an obsession," he said. "The rest is about enjoying it, but yes, I really want to achieve this record."

Ronaldo also praised the appointment of Jesus, who previously managed him at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Jesus is set to begin his tenure with Portugal against Wales in the Nations League on Thursday.

"It was a perfect choice," Ronaldo said. "He brings a different atmosphere, new ideas, and a different way of speaking."

Jesus, meanwhile, described Ronaldo as a symbol of Portuguese football but stressed that selection decisions would remain the manager's responsibility.

"Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team," Jesus said. "If he will play the games, he is not entitled to that, it is up to the manager to decide."

Ronaldo also addressed the criticism he has faced during his long career. Asked about his critics, he joked that he sometimes has to be diplomatic before adding: "There are people who want to kill me, but only with a shotgun."

He said he has become accustomed to criticism after more than two decades at the highest level.

"I have been doing this for more than 20 years, I'm quite used to it," Ronaldo said. "What I can control, I will. What I can't, I won't."

The Portugal captain also admitted that this could be his final year in international football, although he does not know when he will retire.

"I don't know, I wish I knew the answer, but I don't," he said. "I learned to live in the moment in my early thirties, so I don't know, but it is very likely that this will be my last year. I will tell you when my last match is."

For now, Ronaldo remains focused on Portugal's next chapter. He will return to the Jose Alvalade Stadium, where his professional career began with Sporting, for the Nations League clash against Wales.

"It's a special feeling because it was there where my beautiful history started," he said.

"It is always a pleasure to play for the national team, to wear the colours of Portugal. After so many years, it is like the first time. I will step on to the pitch with passion, emotion. I hope we can get off on the right foot."

And should the milestone arrive in Lisbon, Ronaldo already knows how significant it would feel.

"It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team," he said. "It would be the culmination of a beautiful story."- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 21:48 IST