Despite contemplating international retirement following the World Cup, Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will continue his storied career. At 41, CR7 remains driven to write new chapters in football history. Following in-depth discussions with Portugal’s newly appointed head coach Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Pedro Proença, the forward confirmed his intention to remain with the national team, setting his sights on becoming the first player in history to score 1,000 professional career goals.
Having capped a record 233 international appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo now sits just 21 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal mark across club and international football. Achieving this milestone in the national shirt would serve as the “cherry on top” of his career, according to the Portuguese captain.
Portugal takes on Wales on Thursday evening in a UEFA Nations League clash at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon—the iconic venue where Ronaldo began his professional development with Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United in 2003. Leading his country at his boyhood ground marks an emotional homecoming for the veteran forward.
Reflecting on his internal debate over retirement after Portugal’s Round of 16 World Cup exit against Spain, Ronaldo remarked, “I am a thoughtful person and considered my future. But I believe I still have much to offer on and off the pitch. The day the federation says they no longer need me, I will be the first to pack my bags and leave.”
Head coach Jorge Jesus—who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr—confirmed that Ronaldo will start as captain against Wales, hailing him as a “national symbol of Portugal.” Addressing persistent media scrutiny, Ronaldo added with a touch of humor, “They tried to shoot me down on television, but I am still here, standing and fighting on the field.”
