Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's all-around footballer and former boss Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he had even considered retiring from international football after the World Cup and spoke to Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and the country's president before he decided to stay at the club and to be available for Portugal.
Ronaldo, who has represented Portugal for more than two decades and had even considered retirement, said retirement was one of the things he considered. But having thought about what he could still do the five-time UEFA Champions League winner concluded he was capable of helping to make sure Portugal's national side was able to achieve what they want.
The fact Ronaldo is still in the mix for Portugal in the latter stages of his international career, is remarkable. He recently won his 234th cap for the national team against Wales in the UEFA Nations League and was left on the bench for Portugal's next match.
And Ronaldo Opens Up about Retirement Thoughts.
At a press conference in the same week, Ronaldo said he constantly thinks about his future and does not make big career decisions without careful consideration.
“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. That means I will continue,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal's star also told us that conversations with Jorge Jesus and the president had been part of his decision to keep working. Ronaldo told me those conversations cemented that he would still make a contribution to the national team.
“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,” he said.
The forward also noted that Ronaldo's comments suggest that his international future remains linked to his own assessment of his contribution if not a planned retirement date. The forward said that he intends to continue as long as he thinks he can help Portugal.
Ronaldo: What is my role is bigger than goals.
His reputation is built in large part on his extraordinary goal-scoring record, but Ronaldo considers his value to Portugal is not just about his goalscoring but that his impact in front of goal.
“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football,” he said.
That broader role could become more and more important as Portugal has young players coming in on its team. Ronaldo has been in the national squad for many generations and now is looking at a chance to help young football players and also to help the team develop as a whole on the field.
The forward also stressed that his main responsibility is to help Portugal win matches. He said the young generation coming through is an important part of the team’s future but his own focus is on performing whenever he is selected.
Ronaldo wants to guide Portugal’s next generation.
Portugal has been mixing experienced players and young talent more and more and it has a squad of established stars and young talent to match. Ronaldo is sure he could help in that process, as he knows he is a leader.
“This is a new young generation,” he said. “But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games,” he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments suggest that the role he plays is more than symbolic. Young attacking players such as the ones he has come up with and the young players coming in now are a part of his team, he is going to try to provide performance and help his team win.
A decision to continue means Ronaldo will also ensure he will still be part of Portugal’s plans as the Portuguese national team prepares for future international competitions.
Ronaldo's Remarkable Career Continues
Cristiano Ronaldo currently has his club career in Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, now 41 years old. His longevity has been one of the defining features of his career, with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before moving to Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo has 979 goals in his career and is within reach of the much-discussed 1,000-goal mark. While he has said it’s not an obsession, reaching four figures will be another major milestone in an already record-filled career.
Ronaldo also has quite a lot of history at international level and holds some of the records for international appearances and goals for Portugal’s national team. It is his long career that guarantees him a place on the national team and keeps him active.
But retirement is not on the horizon. Ronaldo’s comments indicate he believes he still has much to offer Portugal. He will continue his international career, as long as he is involved on the pitch and in the team away from it.
