Cristiano Ronaldo has openly discussed the possibility of hanging up his international boots after the World Cup, but ultimately chose to prolong his tenure with the Portuguese national side. The 42‑year‑old icon is set to earn his 234th cap in a Nations League clash against Wales at Lisbon's Jose Alvalade Stadium on Thursday, a match that Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed will feature Ronaldo in the starting eleven.

The venue carries a special resonance for the five‑time Ballon d'Or winner, as it is the home ground of Sporting CP, the club where his professional journey began. Some pundits have speculated that this fixture could serve as Ronaldo's swan song on the international stage, yet the veteran striker has insisted that he will only step away when he feels he can no longer contribute meaningfully. "I will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here," he said, underscoring his determination to stay involved as long as he believes he can add value. During the summer World Cup, age appeared to catch up with Ronaldo as a new generation of super‑stars lit up the tournament, prompting talk that his international chapter might be drawing to a close.

When asked whether he had contemplated retirement after the World Cup, Ronaldo answered candidly: "Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future, and the present as well. I'm a thinker. You have to think.

That's why you see me here now. It means I will continue." He went on to explain that discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation's president and the national team coach reinforced his belief that he still has something to offer. "I still believe that I'm able to help the national team reach its goals, and I will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here," he affirmed. Beyond scoring, Ronaldo emphasized his desire to support the squad off the pitch, noting that his influence extends to mentorship and leadership for the emerging talent pool.

A recent poll conducted by the Portuguese daily A Bola invited readers to pick their ideal starting eleven for the Wales game, and surprisingly, Ronaldo did not make the fan‑selected lineup. The star responded with measured humor, acknowledging that while he enjoys widespread admiration, there are always critics. "I've been playing football for so many years, I've 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 criticize me.

They are dying for me not to come to the national team anymore, but I can still move away from it. Anyway, I'm used to it.

For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me," he said. Ronaldo currently plies his trade for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and has amassed an impressive 979 career goals across club and country. While he has dismissed the notion that he is obsessed with reaching the 1,000‑goal milestone, he did admit that scoring that landmark while wearing Portugal's colors would be a "beautiful story" and a fitting capstone to his legendary 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. 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," he explained. He also reflected on his broader impact, noting that young players look up to him as a role model and that he intends to continue inspiring future generations even after he hangs up his boots. "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," Ronaldo added.

Wales captain Craig Bellamy weighed in on Ronaldo's enduring legacy as his side prepares to face Portugal. Bellamy praised the Portuguese maestro, predicting that his name will be etched in football history for "hundreds and hundreds of years." He joked about the 1,000‑goal target, saying, "Seriously? Who gets a thousand goals? We're not counting youth football or anything.

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.

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 Nations League opener approaches, all eyes will be on Lisbon to see whether Ronaldo can add another goal to his already staggering tally and whether he will indeed continue to shape Portugal's fortunes for as long as his body and spirit allow. The match promises not only a tactical showdown but also a symbolic moment in the ongoing narrative of a player who has consistently defied age and expectations, cementing his status as one of football's most enduring icons.