Cristiano Ronaldo said he considered quitting international football after the World Cup, but confirmed he plans to play on for Portugal and hopes to reach 1,000 goals for club and country. Ronaldo, who is 21 goals shy of the milestone, accepted some critics are trying to “kill” him but is determined to carry on. Ronaldo, who has won 233 caps for his country, captained Portugal in the summer at the World Cup, where they exited to Spain in the last 16.
Asked if he considered walking away from international duty, he replied: “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. 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.
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. 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.” Jorge Jesus, the Portugal head coach who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said the 41-year-old would start in his first game in charge, against Wales in the Nations League on Thursday. Jesus, who has succeeded Roberto Martínez, also launched a passionate defence of Ronaldo, drawing applause from many in attendance at Portugal’s City of Football complex in Lisbon. I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that.
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