Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese forward who will turn 42 in February, has openly discussed the possibility of hanging up his international boots after the World Cup, only to later decide to prolong his tenure with the national side. The upcoming Nations League clash against Wales in Lisbon, where he will earn his 234th cap, serves as a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga. Portugal's head coach, Jorge Jesus, has confirmed that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will start the match, which will be played at the Jose Alvalade Stadium – the home ground of Ronaldo's first professional club, Sporting CP.

Speculation has swirled that this fixture could mark Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal, especially given the symbolic setting and his advancing age. However, the five‑time Ballon d'Or winner has made it clear that he will step away only when he feels he can no longer contribute meaningfully.

"I will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here," he said, emphasizing his desire to remain useful both on and off the pitch. The 2022 World Cup highlighted the emergence of a new generation of talent across the globe, and Ronaldo, who has been a mainstay of the Portuguese attack for nearly two decades, felt the weight of that transition. When asked whether he had contemplated retiring from the national team after the tournament, he responded candidly: "Yes, I did.

Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present as well. I'm a thinker. You have to think.

This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue." Ronaldo explained that discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation's president and the coaching staff reinforced his belief that he can still help the team achieve its objectives.

"I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want, and I will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here," he added. He also highlighted his role beyond scoring, noting that he can offer mentorship, leadership, and a positive example for the younger cohort. In the days leading up to the Wales game, the Portuguese newspaper A Bola conducted a poll asking readers to pick their ideal starting lineup. Unsurprisingly, the poll did not include Ronaldo in the XI, reflecting the mixed sentiment among some fans and media outlets.

Ronaldo addressed this criticism with characteristic poise: "I've been playing football for so many years, I have been welcomed almost everywhere, apart from a few exceptions. I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I understand that some TV channels want to criticise me. They are dying for me not to come to the national team anymore, but I can still move away from it.

Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me." Currently plying his trade for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has amassed 979 career goals across club and country. While he denies being "obsessed" with reaching the 1,000‑goal milestone, he admitted that scoring that landmark goal while wearing Portugal's shirt would be a "beautiful story" and a fitting chapter in his illustrious career. "Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something – a beautiful story.

It wouldn't be the end of it, but it would be a beautiful story," he said. "I've already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there. An obsession? No.

The rest is about enjoying it, enjoying every day." Ronaldo also reflected on his influence on younger players, noting that many children look up to him as a role model. "I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am 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," he remarked. Wales manager Craig Bellamy, whose side will face Portugal in the Nations League opener, praised Ronaldo's enduring impact on the sport.

"Seriously? Who gets a thousand goals?

We're not counting youth football or anything," Bellamy laughed, before adding, "It's just silly and I hope he gets it. But I hope he gets nothing against us. The type of impact on the game that he's been able to sustain, for him to still keep going, you just have to sit in awe. That's the honest truth, the guy is incredible." Bellamy continued, "He's had to adapt his game of course, but he's at his most dangerous when he is not in the game.

You've never been able to sleep on the pitch with this guy. We're talking about one of the greatest players of all generations, not just this generation, of all generations.

His name will go down in history for hundreds and hundreds of years. That's the impact he's had." As the match approaches, the football world watches to see whether Ronaldo will add another goal to his international tally, inching closer to that coveted 1,000‑goal mark. Regardless of the outcome, his legacy—built on relentless ambition, record‑breaking achievements, and an unwavering commitment to his country—remains firmly cemented in the annals of the sport. The Nations League fixture against Wales may not be his final appearance, but it undoubtedly serves as another testament to a career that continues to defy age and expectations.