Ronaldo Reveals Why He Decided Against Portugal Retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he is not walking away from Portugal just yet, even though several of his contemporaries, including Lionel Messi, James Rodriguez, Neymar and Manuel Neuer, have all recently stepped back from international football.
The 41 year old admitted he had considered ending his Portugal career to focus purely on club football with Al-Nassr, but changed his mind after talking things through with new Portugal boss Jorge Jesus.
"I can't always be 100 per cent honest, sometimes I have to be politically correct. There are channels that have been trying to 'kill' me for years, but they don't stand a chance, not even with a shotgun," Ronaldo said in a news conference ahead of Portugal's Nations League match against Wales. "And even then I dodge the bullet. I'm used to it, I've been doing this job for 20 years: I know who I am, I know why children see me as a role model, and there will always be critics."
He also touched on his relationship with Portuguese fans, including reports that he may no longer play at Benfica's Estadio da Luz.
"At the Dragao I'm well received and, given the rivalry, I could understand it. At the Da Luz less so, but apparently we will no longer be able to play there, from what I read. In any case, the fact that half a dozen people do not appreciate me does not affect me, I feel the affection of the Portuguese people," he said. "I'm only thinking about the present... I know that many would like me to leave now, but my motivation comes from those who want to keep seeing me play."
Asked directly about his future, Ronaldo confirmed he has spoken with Portugal's federation president and Jesus, and both have told him he remains an important part of the squad.
"I always think about my future, but if you see me here it means I'll continue. I've spoken with the president and the head coach: they're counting on me and I know I can still offer a lot, not only with goals but also off the pitch," he said.
He didn't rule out this being his final year either, adding, "This could very well be my last year, but if it is I'll announce it in due course."
He made clear he isn't holding onto his place out of stubbornness. "If the manager doesn't count on me, I can leave today, no problem at all... When I feel that I'm not doing anything here, that I'm not contributing on the pitch, not scoring goals, creating a bad atmosphere, or that they don't want me here, I'll be the first to pack my bags," he said.
Ronaldo also spoke about his two big remaining targets, reaching 1,000 career goals and winning the Nations League with Portugal, though he insisted he won't let either become an obsession.
"I will get to 1,000 goals. I'll do it, but I'm not making it an obsession, otherwise things never go the way we would like. I want to enjoy every day. I'm sure I won't play all 90 minutes in these four matches," he said. "My objective is twofold: to reach 1,000 goals and win the Nations League. It is a new era."
Portugal go into the competition as reigning champions, having beaten Spain on penalties in the March 2025 final, a tournament in which Ronaldo finished as top scorer with eight goals. Whether he can keep delivering at that level remains to be seen, but for now his focus is on chasing down his milestones and helping Portugal defend their title, even as many of his old rivals have already said their goodbyes to international football.
.jpg)
Post a Comment