Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to thinking about retiring from the Portuguese national team after the 2026 World Cup, before deciding to continue playing and wait for the right time to say goodbye.
Ronaldo is preparing to wear the national team jersey for the 234th time when Portugal meets Wales in Lisbon. Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that this veteran striker will start in the Nations League match.
Jose Alvalade Stadium, where Ronaldo used to play for Sporting CP, may become a venue associated with one of the final chapters of his international career. However, Ronaldo does not want to determine when he will leave.
I have thought about that. I always carefully consider my decisions, both about the present and the future. I am inherently a thoughtful person, and that is why I am still here" - Ronaldo shared.
After the World Cup, Ronaldo's age and performance make many people question his ability to continue wearing the Portuguese jersey. However, after an exchange with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation and Jorge Jesus, CR7 decided to continue to accompany the national team.
I still believe I can help the national team achieve its goal. I will retire when I feel I can no longer contribute to the team" - Ronaldo said.
The Al Nassr striker understands that his role is now not only measured by goals. Portugal has a young generation of players, and Ronaldo's experience can still help the national team.
I believe I can still contribute to the team, not only with goals but also in many other aspects. This is a new generation, but for me, the most important thing is still to score and help the team win" - Ronaldo shared.
However, Ronaldo's position in the Portuguese squad is no longer defaulted. Before the match against Wales, A Bola newspaper organized a poll for the starting lineup, but Ronaldo was not named.
This does not surprise CR7 too much. He believes that being criticized is a familiar part of his career spanning more than two decades.
I often say this to my friends at home. I have played football for many years and almost everywhere I am welcomed, except for a few cases. I know Portuguese fans still have feelings for me, but I also understand that there are TV channels that always want to criticize me" - CR7 added.
The Al Nassr striker currently has 979 goals in his career. The milestone of 1,000 goals is still mentioned, although Ronaldo affirms that he is not obsessed with this number.
However, if he can reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in the Portuguese jersey, it will be a memorable milestone for the player who has dedicated most of his career to the national team.
At the age of 41, Ronaldo has not yet set a date to say goodbye to the national team. That decision will come when he feels he can no longer contribute to Portugal, instead of age or outside criticism.
