Decision to extend international career

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed on Wednesday that he will continue playing for Portugal after considering retirement from international football following the 2026 World Cup. Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain, a result that brought the departure of head coach Roberto Martínez. The 41-year-old forward, who has accumulated 233 caps for his country, explained that discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and new manager Jorge Jesus convinced him to stay. Jesus named Ronaldo in his 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The captain affirmed that he remains in the squad to contribute through goals and veteran guidance rather than relying on his past achievements.

“Whenever they say they don't want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go. When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go.”

Pursuit of the 1,000-goal mark

Ronaldo enters the new international campaign with 979 career goals, including 833 goals across his club career and 146 for the Portuguese national team. The forward needs 21 more goals to reach the 1,000-goal threshold across his professional career. Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit at the Cidade do Futebol complex in Oeiras outside Lisbon, Ronaldo rejected suggestions that the pursuit was an obsession, stating that his primary focus is enjoying each day on the pitch. Portugal are two-time winners of the Nations League, and Ronaldo reiterated that defending the competition title remains equal in priority to his individual milestone. He added that scoring his 1,000th goal while representing Portugal would serve as the culmination of his international story.

“One goal is to achieve both - reaching 1,000 goals and the national team trying to win this Nations League.”

Club goals833

Portugal national team146

Club goals

833 goals

Portugal national team

146 goals

Data from the article text

New management under Jorge Jesus

Jorge Jesus took charge of Portugal following Martínez's exit, having previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. At the joint press conference in Oeiras, Jesus confirmed that the 41-year-old forward will start in Thursday's opening match against Wales. Ronaldo praised his former manager Martínez for his work under heavy public pressure, while endorsing Jesus as the ideal appointment for the national squad. He explained that many players in the group have worked with Jesus previously, simplifying the integration of the coach's tactical concepts. Jesus defended Ronaldo against external criticism during the session, while affirming that starting positions are determined strictly by the coaching staff.

“Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team. If he will play the games, he is not entitled to that, it is up to the manager to decide.”

Nations League schedule and squad rotation

Portugal begin their UEFA Nations League Group A4 schedule on Thursday against Craig Bellamy's Wales at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The match is scheduled for 19:45 local time and will be officiated by Lithuanian referee Donatas Rumšas. Following the fixture in Lisbon, the squad travels to Oslo to face Norway on 27 September before hosting the return fixture on 4 October at Estádio do Dragão in Porto. Ronaldo acknowledged that playing 90 minutes in all four upcoming fixtures across this international window would be physically demanding at age 41. He stated his willingness to accept squad rotation and support younger teammates from the bench when required.