Cristiano Ronaldo has put thoughts of international retirement to one side as he targets another major milestone in his extraordinary career — reaching 1,000 goals.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain had considered stepping away from international football after the World Cup. However, discussions with Portugal’s head coach Jorge Jesus and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation persuaded him to continue. Ronaldo now believes he still has enough to contribute to the national side, both on and off the pitch.
Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s 25-man squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign. Portugal will begin their campaign against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, opening another chapter for a team seeking further success on the international stage.
Asked whether he had seriously considered retiring from international football after the World Cup, Ronaldo admitted that the possibility had crossed his mind.
“Yes, I thought about it. Of course, I always think about my decisions, my future and my present. I am a thoughtful person, so I have to think,” he said.
The forward ultimately decided that his work with Portugal was not finished. He believes his experience can still be valuable to a side that combines established figures with a growing group of younger players.
“I still believe I have the ability to help the national team achieve its goals. Not only by scoring goals, but also by helping the team off the pitch,” Ronaldo said.
Alongside Portugal’s ambitions, Ronaldo has another highly personal target. He is currently 21 goals short of reaching 1,000 career goals, a landmark that would add another remarkable chapter to a career already defined by records and individual achievements.
Ronaldo, however, insists that the pursuit of the milestone does not come at the expense of Portugal’s objectives. Winning the Nations League for a third time remains one of his priorities.
“Both goals are important. 1,000 goals, yes. But the national team as well. Winning the Nations League… the competition starts on Thursday. It is a new chapter,” he said.
Portugal’s squad also features a number of emerging talents, including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao. Ronaldo said the presence of this younger generation is another reason he wants to remain involved with the national team.
“This is a new young generation. But for me, the main thing is to be on the pitch, score goals and help the team win matches,” he said.
The Portugal captain also spoke about his influence on younger footballers. After decades at the highest level, he remains a prominent figure for players who have grown up watching his career.
“I know who I am. I know what I have done to be here and to achieve so much. I also know why young players love Cristiano. They see me as an example,” Ronaldo said.
He added that he intended to maintain that example even after his playing career eventually comes to an end.
“I will continue to do that — even after retirement… for another 10 years!” he said.
Ronaldo also expressed confidence in his physical condition and said his priority was not simply to play every match, but to remain comfortable with his own condition.
“I am happy with myself. Whether I play tomorrow or rest in the next match, that is not important. For me, the most important thing is that I feel good,” he said.
With Portugal preparing for another Nations League campaign, Ronaldo therefore enters the next phase of his international career with two ambitions running alongside each other: helping his country compete for another trophy and moving closer to the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark.
