Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he considered retiring from international football after the World Cupbefore finally choosing to stay in Portugal.
Ronaldo, who will turn 42 in February, will win his 234th cap in Portugal against Wales on Thursdaywith new coach Jorge Jesús already confirming that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will start in Lisbon.
Some thought the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, home of Ronaldo’s first club Sporting, could be his farewell match, but the forward insists he still has work to do for his country.
Asked if he planned to leave Portugal after the World Cup, Ronaldo said: “Yes, I did. Of course, I’m always thinking about my decisions, about my future, also about the present.”
“I’m a thinker. You have to think. That’s why you see me here now. It means I’ll continue.
“I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I am able to help the national team reach what they want, and I will finish when I feel that I am not doing anything here.
“I can give my support to the national team, not only through goals, but also outside of football.
“This is a new young generation. But for me the main point is to be able to score goals on the pitch and help the team win games.”
Ronaldo: Portugal is counting on me
Ronaldo will be reunited with his former Al-Nassr Jesus boss for his country, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner convinced he can make a difference at international level.
He added: “I come into the national team because I make a difference to my club. Whatever the manager needs, I’m available, whether it’s to play, come on as a substitute or not play.
“No one has more international games than me and I’m here because I want to help the national team. I know the manager is counting on me and I’m not here because of my CV, but because of what I do at my club.
“If the manager or the president doesn’t count on me, I leave immediately.
“When I feel like I’m not bringing anything here or there’s a bad atmosphere, I’ll be the first to pack up and leave. If you look at the numbers, you’ll still see the difference I make.
“I will always be a fan of this federation and I will always be available to help this federation. I just think about the present moment … I know a lot of people want me to leave now, but my motivation comes from the people who want to continue to see me.”
Ronaldo: 1,000 goals is the goal
With a European Championship and a Nations League triumph under his belt for his national team, you might think that Ronaldo has little left to prove. But for the 42-year-old, his career 1,000 and another trophy is firmly his priority.
The Al-Nassr striker, who currently has 979 goals, said: “Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something – a beautiful story.
“It wouldn’t be the end, but it would be a beautiful story.
“I have already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there. An obsession? No. The rest is to enjoy it, enjoy it every day.
“I know why the kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that, even when I’m retired… in 10 years.
“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.”
Where to watch Portugal-Wales: TV channel, live streaming online
Kick-off on Thursday is 19:45 BST (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT). In the UK, live television coverage is on BBC One Wales, BBC Two and S4C.
Streaming on a wide range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website as well as S4C Online.
For worldwide streaming details, visit International broadcasters of the UEFA Nations League.
