The 41-year-old legend starts against Wales and is not ready to retire despite facing criticism back home
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to continue his Portugal career – and will start against Wales on Thursday.
The 41-year-old will win his 234th cap when Portugal take on Wales in Lisbon, with head coach Jorge Jesus confirming the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will be named in the starting XI.
But Ronaldo has admitted he seriously considered walking away from international football after the World Cup before deciding he still had something to offer his country.
And he took aim at some Portuguese television channels, claiming they have been desperate to see the end of his international career and have “tried to kill” him with their criticism.
Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February, said he will continue playing for Portugal until he feels he is no longer able to make a contribution.
Asked if he had considered retiring after the World Cup, he 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.”
The decision means Ronaldo will line up against Wales at the Jose Alvalade Stadium – the home of his first club Sporting.
Ronaldo said he believes he can still contribute both on and off the pitch as Portugal look to develop a new generation of players.
“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football,” he said.
“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.”
His role remains the subject of debate in Portugal, with leading newspaper A Bola running a poll asking readers to select their team ahead of the Wales game – and Ronaldo failing to make the starting XI.
But the Portugal captain said he has become accustomed to criticism during his extraordinary career.
“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,” he said.
“I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I do understand that some TV channels want to criticise me – they’ve tried to kill me, but only with a shotgun.
“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 is now playing his club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and has scored 979 career goals.
He denied being obsessed with reaching 1,000 goals, although admitted he would love to reach the landmark while representing Portugal.
“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,” he said.
“I’m happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game, for me the most important thing is that I feel good.”




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