Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that, following the World Cup, he briefly contemplated hanging up his international boots, but ultimately chose to prolong his tenure with Portugal. The 42‑year‑old superstar is set to collect 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.
Speculation has swirled that the fixture at the home ground of Ronaldo's boyhood club, Sporting CP, could serve as his swan song for the national side. Yet the five‑time Ballon d'Or winner dismissed such notions, insisting that he will only step away when he feels he can no longer contribute meaningfully. "I will retire when I sense I am no longer adding value on the pitch," he said.
During the summer World Cup, age appeared to catch up with the Portuguese icon as a new wave of talent shone on football's grandest stage. The tournament sparked rumors that Ronaldo's international chapter might be drawing to a close. When asked whether he had considered quitting after the World Cup, he responded candidly: "Yes, I did. Of course, I am always reflecting on my decisions, my future, and the present.
I am a thinker, and that is why I am still here. It means I will continue." Ronaldo explained that conversations with the Portuguese Football Federation's president and the national team coach reinforced his belief that he can still help the squad achieve its objectives. "I will stop when I feel I am not doing anything here," he added. "I can support the team not only by scoring goals but also off the field.
This is a new, young generation, but my primary aim remains to score and help the team win." A recent poll conducted by the Portuguese daily A Bola, which invited readers to pick their ideal XI for the Wales game, surprisingly omitted Ronaldo from the starting lineup. The veteran responded with a measured tone: "I have often said at home with friends that I have played football for many years and have been welcomed almost everywhere, with a few exceptions. I feel Portuguese fans love me, but I understand some TV channels enjoy criticizing me.
They would like me to stop playing for the national team, but I can still walk away. After more than 20 years, my memories are with the people who love me." Currently plying his trade for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has amassed 979 career goals. While he denied being "obsessed" with reaching the 1,000‑goal mark, he expressed a genuine desire to achieve that milestone while wearing Portugal's colors. "Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of a beautiful story," he said.
"It wouldn't be the end, but it would be a beautiful story. I have already admitted I want to get there, and I will get there. An obsession?
No. The rest is about enjoying it, enjoying every day." He also reflected on his influence on younger players: "I know why kids love Cristiano; they see me as an example, and I will continue to be that example even when I am retired… in 10 years. I am happy with myself. It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow or rest the next game; the most important thing is that I feel good." Wales forward Craig Bellamy weighed in, predicting that Ronaldo's name will be etched in football history for "hundreds and hundreds of years" as his side prepares to face Portugal in the Nations League opener.
Bellamy, who has faced Ronaldo many times, remarked: "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 impact he has sustained, the way he keeps going, you have to sit in awe. He has had to adapt his game, of course, but he is most dangerous when he is not on the ball.
You have never been able to sleep on the pitch with this guy. He's one of the greatest players of all generations, not just this one.
His name will go down in history for hundreds and hundreds of years. That's the impact he's had." Portugal boss Jorge Jesus reiterated that the 41‑year‑old will start the match, aiming to add to his already impressive tally of 146 international goals.
As the Nations League fixture approaches, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see whether Ronaldo can edge closer to that coveted 1,000‑goal landmark and whether this appearance truly marks the twilight of his international career or simply another chapter in an already legendary saga.