Cristiano Ronaldo considered ending his Portugal career after the World Cup before deciding to continue representing the national team.
Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February, is set to earn his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will start the Nations League match.
Some observers have suggested that Thursday’s match at Jose Alvalade Stadium, home of Ronaldo’s first club Sporting, could mark his international farewell. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, however, said he will retire from the national side only when he feels he is no longer able to contribute.
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The World Cup raised further questions about Ronaldo’s place in the Portugal setup. At 42, he appeared less influential than several younger stars, fueling speculation that his time with the national team might be nearing its end.
When asked whether he had considered leaving Portugal after the tournament, Ronaldo said that he had. He explained that he regularly reflects on his decisions and his future, adding that his continued presence with the national team showed he had chosen to carry on.
Ronaldo said he discussed his plans with Portugal’s president and coach. He remains convinced that he can still help the team achieve its ambitions and said he will step away only when he feels he no longer has anything to offer.
He emphasized that his value extends beyond scoring, pointing to the support he can provide outside football as well. Although Portugal now has a younger generation of players, Ronaldo said his primary responsibility remains to contribute on the pitch, score goals and help the team win.
Before the Wales match, Portuguese newspaper A Bola asked readers to choose their preferred Portugal starting XI, and Ronaldo was not included in the selected eleven.
Ronaldo acknowledged that some broadcasters appear eager for him to stop playing for Portugal. He said he understands the criticism, but added that he has spent more than two decades in football and remains surrounded by memories of people who love and support him.
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Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and has scored 979 career goals.
He rejected the idea that chasing his 1,000th goal has become an obsession, although he said he would love to reach that milestone wearing Portugal’s colours.
Describing a 1,000th international goal for Portugal as the satisfying culmination of a beautiful story, Ronaldo said it would not represent an ending. He acknowledged his desire to reach the figure and his belief that he will do so, while stressing that enjoying each day matters more than fixating on the number.
Ronaldo also said he understands why young fans admire him as an example and believes that image will endure even after retirement, joking that he could still be relevant 10 years from now. He said he is content with his life and that it makes no difference to him whether he plays the next match or rests for it; his priority is to feel good.