Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed speculation surrounding his international career, acknowledging that thoughts of stepping away crossed his mind following a disappointing World Cup exit. Speaking in Lisbon, the 41-year-old forward revealed that the round-of-16 defeat against Spain in July prompted deep reflection about his future with the national side. Despite acknowledging that certain critics and television commentators in Portugal would prefer to see him left out of the squad, the veteran has resolved to continue competing at the highest level.
Milestone 234th appearance ahead against Wales
The national team captain is preparing to make his 234th appearance for Portugal in Thursday's Nations League encounter against Wales. Head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed ahead of the fixture that Cristiano Ronaldo will be part of the starting lineup. During a pre-match press conference, the veteran attacker was asked directly whether the tournament heartbreak in July had led him to contemplate calling time on his international career, a thought process he openly admitted having gone through.
“Yes, I thought about it. I am always thinking about my decisions, my future, and my present.”
Crucial discussions with Jorge Jesus and federation leadership
Reflecting on the decision-making process, Cristiano Ronaldo explained that he held discussions with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation as well as manager Jorge Jesus. The tactician shares a successful history with the forward, having previously managed him at Saudi club Al-Nassr, where Jesus guided the squad to the Saudi League title in May. These conversations helped solidify his conviction that he still has valuable contributions to make on the international stage.
Mentoring a new generation while tuning out critics
Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirmed his belief that his presence can still propel Portugal toward their competitive targets, emphasizing that he will only step aside when he feels unable to aid the group. While acknowledging that the squad is now populated by a fresh, younger generation of talent, the forward maintained that his primary objective remains finding the back of the net and securing victories for his country.
Addressing the criticism directed at him, the veteran noted that while the majority of Portuguese supporters continue to back him, certain television networks consistently push for his exclusion from the national setup. Having navigated the demands of elite international football for more than 20 years, he explained that he chooses to focus on those who show him warmth and appreciation. Highlighting his status as a role model for children, he vowed to keep setting high standards, adding with a smile that his legacy will remain an enduring example for people even a decade after his eventual retirement.
