Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said that his future with the national team depends on whether they still want him. He is ready to step aside immediately if that is not the case.
Football expert Fabrizio Romano shared this news on X. Ronaldo spoke at a press conference on Wednesday before Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Wales. The 41-year-old captain made his feelings known.
“If Portugal no longer want to rely on me, I can leave from today. I have no problem with that,” Ronaldo said.
He also mentioned that he would take action himself if the football federation decided he was no longer needed.
“Or even the president. When they no longer want to rely on me in the national team, I’ll be the first to speak to them about it.”
Ronaldo left the decision up to Portugal, but he highlighted that the trust between them is strong for now. This is why he keeps playing for his country.
“If they rely on me, I rely on them. And the Portuguese people rely on me. That’s why I continue playing for the national team.”
He admitted that he thought about retiring from international football after Portugal’s exit in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Talks with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and new coach Jorge Jesus convinced him to remain.
“They count on me. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team,” he said.
The seasoned forward, who has scored 146 goals in 233 matches for Portugal, said he is driven by the support of the Portuguese people and by his role on the field.
He is 21 goals away from reaching 1,000 career goals for both club and country. He described scoring this milestone for the national team as “the icing on the cake.”
Ronaldo also set two goals for the coming months: reaching 1,000 goals and helping Portugal win another Nations League title with Jesus, who has taken over from Roberto Martínez.
Portugal will start their Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. Jesus has confirmed that Ronaldo will be in the starting lineup.
“I’m completely ready to play. If the coach wants me to start the match on the bench, I’m ready for that too.”
“Even if I don’t play in the match, there won’t be a problem.”
“It’s about managing the squad, and that’s the coach’s responsibility,” he added.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇