Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to defy critics in the media and continue playing for Portugal.
The 41-year-old admitted he considered retiring after the World Cup before deciding he could still contribute to the national team.
Ronaldo will win his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that the Al-Nassr forward will start the Nations League match. The fixture will be played at Sporting’s Jose Alvalade Stadium, where Ronaldo began his senior career.
There had been much speculation that the match could mark Ronaldo’s international farewell after a World Cup in which he struggled to make an impact. Ronaldo said he had discussed his future before deciding to continue.
“Yes I did,” Ronaldo said when asked if he had considered retiring after the World Cup. “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.”
Ronaldo said his role was not limited to scoring goals as Portugal introduce a younger generation of players, although he remains focused on contributing on the pitch.
“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.”
The forward added that he had become accustomed to criticism during his long international career.
“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,” Ronaldo said.
“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 has scored 979 goals in his club and international career and is within sight of the 1,000-goal mark. He rejected the idea that reaching the figure was an obsession but accepted it would be meaningful to him.
“I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that,” Ronaldo said. “Even when I am retired, in 10 years.”
Ronaldo also said he understands he won’t play every match.
“I’m happy with myself,” he said. “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.”
