Ronaldo confirms Portugal stay and eyes 1,000-goal milestone
Cristiano Ronaldo has put an end to speculation over his international future, confirming he will carry on playing for Portugal and setting his sights on a remarkable milestone: 1,000 career goals for club and country. The 41-year-old, who is currently 21 goals short of the landmark figure, admitted he had seriously weighed up walking away from international duty after the World Cup but insisted he still has plenty to offer.
"Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking about 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," Ronaldo said at Portugal's City of Football complex in Lisbon, appearing alongside new head coach Jorge Jesus ahead of Thursday's Nations League clash with Wales.
"I had a conversation with our president, with our coach"
Explaining his decision to remain at the service of the national team, Ronaldo revealed he had held talks with federation president Pedro Proenca and the new coaching staff. "I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want. I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football," he said.
"There 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. Whenever they say they don't want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go. 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 … Just look at the numbers, I'm sure you can make some calculations, I'm still doing well. The day they don't count on me, no problemo, I will leave. I will always be the No 1 fan of this federation."
Jesus backs his captain on stage
New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, who previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and has succeeded Roberto Martínez, launched a passionate defence of the forward, drawing applause from many in attendance. "Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team," said Jesus, sitting alongside Ronaldo at the federation's campus. "If he will play the games, he is not entitled to that, it is up to the manager to decide." Jesus confirmed the 41-year-old would start in his first game in charge, against Wales on Thursday.
Ronaldo, who captained Portugal at the summer World Cup where they were eliminated by Spain in the last 16, cut a relaxed figure on stage. "For me the most important thing is I know what I am," he said. "I know what I do to be here, I know what I have done to have the success that I have had. I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am retired … in 10 years.
Defiant over his critics
Asked directly about those who have questioned whether he should continue, Ronaldo triggered laughter from many in the room by replying: "I cannot be 100% honest, sometimes I have to be politically correct." He added: "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. Anyway, I am used to it. I have been doing this for more than 20 years, I'm quite used to it. What I can control, I will. What I can't, I won't."
"I'm happy with myself," Ronaldo insisted. "It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow, if I'm rested for the next game, for me the most important thing is that I feel good. The people around me, they trust in my work. Focus on the people who love Cristiano, not the people who criticise me, so I am a happy person."
A return to where it all began
Thursday's game at the José Alvalade Stadium carries extra significance: it is where Ronaldo began his career with Sporting before joining Manchester United in 2003, and it marks Portugal's first match in Lisbon since beating Ireland in a World Cup qualifier last October.
"It's a special feeling because it was there where my beautiful history started," Ronaldo said. "I'm very proud about that, to play for the national team after so many years, playing where I practically was opened to the world … It was a beautiful moment. It is always a pleasure to play for the national team, to wear the colours of Portugal. After so many years, it is [still always] like the first time. I will step on to the pitch with passion, emotion. I hope we can get off on the right foot. Because it's at Sporting, it does feel a bit more special."
On the prospect of reaching four figures, with his 233rd cap already secured, Ronaldo saved his most romantic line for last. "It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team. It would be the culmination of a beautiful story. I said I wanted to reach that target and I will reach that target. But I don't have an obsession. If you are obsessed with something, you won't get it … Just enjoy. Carpe diem, enjoy the day."