Cristiano Ronaldo Considered Quitting Portugal After World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo considered stepping away from international football following the summer World Cup, but the Portugal captain has confirmed his intention to continue playing for his country while targeting a historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, according to reports from The Guardian.

The 41-year-old forward, who has earned 233 caps for Portugal, acknowledged that certain critics within his home country want him removed from the national team setup. Despite facing local pressure following Portugal’s round-of-16 exit to Spain at the World Cup, Ronaldo stated that discussions with federation president Pedro Proença and the coaching staff reinforced his belief that he can still contribute on and off the pitch.

“Yes, I did. Of course, I’m always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present also,” Ronaldo said, according to The Guardian, when asked if he considered walking away from international duty. “I’m a thinker; you have to think. This is why you see me here now, it means I will continue.”

Ronaldo currently sits 21 goals shy of reaching 1,000 career goals for club and country. While acknowledging a new generation of talent is emerging within Portuguese football, he defended his ongoing role in the squad based on his current production.

“Whenever they say they don’t want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go,” Ronaldo said, as reported by The Guardian. “When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go. I will take my suitcase and leave. The Portuguese count on me. That’s why I’m still here.”

Coaching Support Ahead of Nations League Fixture

Jorge Jesus, who recently took over as Portugal’s head coach after succeeding Roberto Martínez, launched a passionate defense of the veteran forward ahead of the team’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales. Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, confirmed that the forward will start in Lisbon.

The backing from the coaching staff arrives as Portugal prepares to face Wales at the City of Football complex. Wales manager Craig Bellamy offered high praise for the opposing captain in the lead-up to the match, recounting a striking encounter involving strict security measures for Ronaldo’s arrival in Lisbon.

“He is beyond a superstar,” Bellamy said, according to The Guardian, describing the security lockdown at the airport that accompanied Ronaldo’s arrival. “We’re talking about one of the greatest players of all generations – his name will go down in history.”

Who gets 1,000 goals? Seriously? It’s just silly, eh? I hope he gets it – but I hope he gets nothing on Thursday.

Craig Bellamy, via The Guardian

With Portugal’s campaign in the Nations League set to begin, Ronaldo remains focused on maintaining his form on the pitch and guiding the younger generation of players through his leadership and continued scoring output.