At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans to retire from international football. The Portugal captain has made it clear that he wants to continue representing the Seleção and help the team under new coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo dismissed speculation about his future and insisted that he will follow whatever role Jesus gives him. He also revealed that his ambitions remain high, including reaching 1,000 career goals and winning another Nations League title. “I live in the moment; I don’t think about tomorrow,” he told reporters.
The Al-Nassr forward also explained when he would consider leaving Portugal. Ronaldo said he would be the first to step aside if he could no longer make a difference on the pitch or began to affect the team negatively. For now, however, he remains fully committed to the national team and says representing Portugal remains both an honor and a passion.
“It is an honor and a passion to be called up to the national team. The coach knows he can count on me. I can help on the pitch through my performances, not just because of my track record. The moment I feel I’m no longer of use here—that I’m not contributing on the field, not scoring goals, or am creating a bad atmosphere—I’ll be the first to pack my bags and leave. So, if they’re counting on me, I’m counting on them. The Portuguese people are counting on me; that’s why I’m staying”, he declared.