Wednesday 23 September 2026 22:52, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup, but he has decided to carry on with Portugal.
Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February, will earn his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward will start the Nations League match.
Some commentators have suggested the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, the home of Ronaldo's first club Sporting, could be his international farewell. But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he will finish when "I feel like I'm not doing anything here".
Age appeared to catch up with Ronaldo this summer at the World Cup, when many of the sport's biggest stars impressed on the grandest stage. That led to speculation that his international career was over.
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."
Portuguese newspaper A Bola ran a poll before the Wales game asking readers to pick their team, and Ronaldo was not chosen in the starting XI.
Ronaldo said: "I said it quite often at home with my friends. I've been playing football for so many years, I have been welcome almost everywhere, apart from a few exceptions.
"I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I do understand that some TV channels want to criticise me.
"They are dying for me not to come to the national team anymore, but I can still move away from it.
"Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me."
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has 979 career goals.
