- Published
Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring after the World Cup but says he opted to extend his glittering career as he believes he can help Portugal to further success - and reach a personal milestone of 1,000 career goals.
asserted
he → publish → goals
The 41-year-old confirmed in the summer that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, although his long-term future remained uncertain.
However, he has been included in Jorge Jesus' 25-man squad for Portugal's Nations League campaign, which begins against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday night.
In the lead-up to the contest with Craig Bellamy's side, the Al-Nassr forward also targeted the 21 goals needed to reach that magical 1,000 mark.
asserted
forward → confirm → mark
Asked if he thought about retiring from international duty after the World Cup, Ronaldo responded: "Yes, I did.
"
asserted
I → ask → Cup
Of course, I'm always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also.
asserted
I → think → decisions
I'm a thinker, you have to think."
asserted
you → have → ?
The former Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player said: "I had a conversation with our president, with our coach.
asserted
I → say → coach
I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want.
asserted
they → believe → what
I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football."
asserted
I → think → football
Ronaldo is a two-time Nations League winner with Portugal, and he said adding a third title was also an aim alongside his personal ambitions.
asserted
adding → say → ambitions
"Both aims are important," he said.
asserted
he → say → ?
Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow [Thursday], it's a new age."
asserted
it → win → League
Young talents including Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao all feature in Portugal's squad for this international window.
asserted
talents → include → window
Ronaldo - who joked he will play on for another decade - says helping his country's newest talents was also a pivotal factor in his decision to continue to represent Portugal.
asserted
helping → joke → Portugal
But for me the basic point is to be on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games," he said.
asserted
he → score → games
"For me, the most important thing, I know what I am.
asserted
I → know → me
I know what I do to be here, to have the success that I have.
asserted
I → know → that
I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that.
asserted
I → know → that
Even when I am retired... in 10 years!
asserted
I → retire → years
It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game.
asserted
I → matter → game
For me, the most important thing is that I feel good."
Dodging 'shotgun' fire
Speaking at a news conference in Lisbon, Portugal boss Jesus described Ronaldo as a "symbol of Portugal and the national team".
asserted
Jesus → feel → Portugal
It came after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner addressed the criticism he has faced throughout his career - particularly during his time with some of the great clubs of England, Spain and Italy.
asserted
he → come → England
"This [Portugal] is possibly where I have felt most cared," Ronaldo said.
uncertain
Ronaldo → feel → ?
"From the fans, I also feel the Portuguese like me.
asserted
Portuguese → feel → me
I do understand that some TV channels like to criticise me, they've tried to kill me with a shotgun, but I can still move away from it.
asserted
I → understand → it
For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me."
asserted
who → do → me
The Aporia
