Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he considered retirement from international football after the World Cup, before eventually opting to stay on for Portugal.
Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February, will earn his 234th Portugal cap against Wales on Thursday, with new manager Jorge Jesus already confirming that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will start in Lisbon.
Some thought the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium – the home of Ronaldo’s first club Sporting – could be his farewell match but the forward insists he still has work to do for his country.
Asked if he considered leaving Portugal after the World Cup, Ronaldo said: “Yes I did. Of course, I’m always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also.
“I’m a thinker. You have to think. This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue.
“I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.
“I can give to 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 on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”
Ronaldo: Portugal are counting on me
Ronaldo will be reunited with his former Al-Nassr boss Jesus for his country, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner convinced he can make a difference at international level.
He added: “I’m coming to the national team because I make a difference at my club. Whatever the coach needs, I’m available – whether it’s to play, come on as a substitute, or not play.
“Nobody has more international caps than me and I’m here because I want to help the national team. I know the coach is counting on me and I’m not here because of my resume, but because of what I do at my club.
“If the manager or the president doesn’t count on me, I’ll leave immediately.
“When I feel I’m no longer contributing anything here or that there’s a bad atmosphere, I’ll be the first to pack my bags and leave. If you look at the numbers, you’ll still see the difference I make.
“I will always be a fan of this federation and will always be available to help this federation. I’m only thinking about the present moment… I know many people want me to leave now but my motivation comes from the people who want to keep seeing me.”
Ronaldo: 1,000 goals is the aim
With a European Championship and Nations League triumph under his belt for his national team, you may think Ronaldo has little left to prove. But the 42-year-old his 1,000 career and another trophy is firmly his priority.
The Al-Nassr forward, who is currently on 979 goals, said: “Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something – a beautiful story.
“It wouldn’t be the end of it, but it would be a beautiful story.
“I’ve already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there. An obsession? No. The rest is about enjoying it, enjoying every day.
“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.
“I’m happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game, for me the most important thing is that I feel good.”
Where to watch Portugal v Wales: TV channel, live online streams
Kick-off on Thursday is at 19:45 BST (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT). In the UK, live TV coverage is on BBC One Wales, BBC Two and S4C.
Streaming on a vast range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website, as well as S4C Online.
For worldwide broadcast details, visit UEFA’s Nations League international broadcasters.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
