Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to continue his international career after considering retirement following the World Cup, with the Portugal captain now targeting further success with his country and the 1,000-goal milestone of his career.
The 41-year-old forward has been included in Portugal’s 25-man squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign by head coach Jorge Jesus. Portugal will begin their campaign against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, giving Ronaldo another opportunity to represent his country as the team prepares for a new chapter.
Ronaldo admitted that retirement had been on his mind after the World Cup. Asked whether he had considered ending his international career, he said he had.
“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,” Ronaldo said.
His position changed after discussions with Portugal’s head coach and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. Ronaldo believes he can still make a significant contribution to the national side, both during matches and away from the pitch.
“I still believe I have the ability to help the national team reach its goals. Not only by scoring goals, but also by helping the team off the pitch,” he said.
1,000 goals remain a major ambition
Ronaldo’s most prominent personal target now is reaching 1,000 career goals. According to the figures cited in the report, he is currently 21 goals short of that milestone.
The pursuit of such a landmark comes at a late stage of a career already filled with individual achievements. Ronaldo, however, does not regard his personal ambition as separate from Portugal’s objectives.
The forward also wants to help Portugal win the Nations League for a third time. He considers both targets important as the national side prepares to begin another campaign.
“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 Nations League campaign will therefore provide Ronaldo with another opportunity to contribute to the national team while continuing his pursuit of the personal milestone.
A veteran among a younger generation
Portugal’s squad includes several emerging players alongside more experienced figures. Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao are among the younger talents named in the squad.
Ronaldo said being around this new generation is also part of his motivation for remaining with the national team. After many years at the highest level, he believes he can offer experience to players who are still establishing themselves internationally.
“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 the influence he has on younger footballers. He believes they view him as an example because of what he has achieved throughout 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 wants to maintain that role even after his playing career eventually ends. Ronaldo suggested that he would continue to serve as an example for younger players for years after retirement.
Physical condition remains important
Ronaldo also expressed confidence in his physical condition. At 41, he said his priority is not necessarily to play every match but to ensure that he feels physically comfortable and ready to contribute.
“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.
His comments indicate that Ronaldo is prepared to approach international football according to his physical condition rather than simply focusing on appearing in every game.
For now, the prospect of retirement has been set aside. Ronaldo is preparing for another Nations League campaign with Portugal while keeping the 1,000-goal milestone firmly within his sights. At the same time, he wants to use his experience to support a younger generation of Portuguese players and help the national team pursue another major trophy.
