Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup, but has decided to extend his illustrious career with Portugal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 42 in February, is set to win his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon, with coach Jorge Jesus confirming his place in the Nations League starting XI.
Ronaldo acknowledged that age had caught up with him during the summer’s World Cup, fueling speculation that his time with the national team might be over. “Yes, I did [consider retiring]. Of course, I’m always thinking about my decisions, my future, and the present also,” Ronaldo said. “I had a conversation with our president and our coach. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team reach what they want, and I will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.”
Despite a leading Portuguese newspaper poll leaving him out of the fan-selected starting XI, Ronaldo remains undeterred: “I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football. This is a new young generation. But for me, the basic point is to be able to score goals on the pitch and help the team win games.”
Now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo sits on 979 career goals. While he denies being obsessed with hitting 1,000 goals, he admits it would be special to achieve that milestone for Portugal. “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.”
Ronaldo concluded, “I’m happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow or rest the next game; for me, the most important thing is that I feel good.”
The Portuguese icon, accustomed to both adoration and criticism, remains as driven as ever, determined to continue inspiring the next generation—on and off the pitch.
