Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on decision to continue playing for Portugal
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Portuguese thought of retiring after the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo thought about quitting international football following the World Cup, but in the end he decided to continue his career with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 42 in February, will play his 234th game for Portugal against Wales in Lisbon tonight. Jorge Jesus, the manager of Portugal, confirmed that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will take the field in the Nations League match.
Some fans and pundits were predicting that the game at the José Alvalade Stadium, which is where Cristiano Ronaldo’s first club, Sporting, plays, could be his last game for his country. But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will retire when “I feel like I’m not doing anything here.”
Last summer, Cristiano Ronaldo disappointed at the World Cup, where many of the game’s biggest stars were shining. This led to rumours that his time as an international player was over.
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about his decision to continue with the national team
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He was asked if he was thinking about leaving Portugal after the World Cup.
“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.“
“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.“
“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.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 979 goals in his career and is now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
He denied that scoring 1,000 goals is his only objective, but he did say that he would love to do it while playing for Portugal.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in Nations League?
Yes, he has been called up to play.
How many career goals has Ronaldo scored?
He has scored 979 goals.
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