Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered a defiant message to his critics as Portugal prepare for their UEFA Nations League campaign. The Portugal captain addressed the criticism that has followed him throughout his long career while outlining two major objectives for the next phase of his international journey.
Ronaldo wants to help Portugal win the Nations League and is also targeting the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 professional goals. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s opening fixture against Wales in Lisbon, the veteran forward reflected on the scrutiny he has faced throughout his career and insisted that criticism would not prevent him from pursuing his goals.
Ronaldo Sends Strong Message To Critics
Ronaldo acknowledged that public figures cannot always speak completely freely and said there are occasions when he has to be politically correct. However, he did not hold back when discussing the criticism directed at him over the years.
“I cannot always be 100 per cent honest, sometimes I have to be politically correct. There are channels that have been trying to kill me for years, but they do not stand a chance, not even with a shotgun, and even then I dodge the bullet,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain also stressed that he has become accustomed to criticism after spending around two decades playing at the highest level. Rather than allowing the scrutiny to define him, Ronaldo said he remains aware of his own identity and the influence he has on younger fans.
“I am used to it, I have been doing this job for 20 years: I know who I am, I know why children see me as a role model, and there will always be critics,” he added.
His comments underline the longevity of his career. Ronaldo has spent more than two decades competing at the top level of international and club football, during which he has experienced both major successes and intense scrutiny.
Ronaldo Targets 1,000 Career Goals
One of the biggest personal milestones on Ronaldo’s immediate horizon is reaching 1,000 professional goals. According to the figures cited ahead of Portugal’s Nations League campaign, the forward has 979 goals for club and country, leaving him 21 goals short of the landmark.
Despite being within touching distance of the four-digit mark, Ronaldo insisted that he does not want the target to become an obsession. The forward said he believes he will eventually reach the milestone but wants to continue enjoying football rather than focusing exclusively on the numbers.
“I will get to 1,000 goals. I will do it, but I am not making it an obsession; otherwise things never go the way we would like. I want to enjoy every day,” Ronaldo said.
He also acknowledged that his playing time could be managed during the upcoming matches, suggesting that he does not necessarily expect to play the full 90 minutes in every game.
Nations League Glory Also A Major Target
Alongside his individual ambition, Ronaldo has identified a team objective with Portugal. The veteran forward wants to add another Nations League title to his international achievements.
🇵🇹🗣 Cristiano Ronaldo:
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) September 23, 2026
“And I understand, I understand very well. Some channels like to attack me and have been trying to bring me down for several years, but that is never going to happen. I’m like a shotgun myself. Even then, I can dodge the bullet, imagine that.
But I’m…
“My objective is twofold: to reach 1,000 goals and win the Nations League. It is a new era,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal have already experienced success in the Nations League, winning the inaugural edition of the competition in 2019. Ronaldo was part of that successful squad and will now look to contribute again as Portugal begin another campaign.
The tournament provides another opportunity for the Portugal captain to compete for international silverware while continuing his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ronaldo Looks Ahead To Another International Chapter
Ronaldo's comments come as he enters another stage of his international career. Having represented Portugal for many years, he remains an important figure for the national team and continues to set personal and collective targets.
Portugal's recent World Cup campaign ended in the quarter-finals against Spain after the team managed two victories during the tournament. The result provided another reminder of the challenges facing Ronaldo and his teammates at major international competitions.
The upcoming Nations League campaign therefore offers Portugal an opportunity to move forward. For Ronaldo, the objectives are clearly defined: compete for another international trophy while continuing his pursuit of one of football's most notable statistical milestones.
At the same time, his comments about critics show that the scrutiny surrounding his career remains a familiar part of his life as a professional footballer. After more than 20 years at the highest level, Ronaldo says he remains focused on his identity, his ambitions and the opportunity to continue representing Portugal.
With 979 professional goals cited ahead of the campaign, the 1,000-goal mark is now within reach. But Ronaldo has made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond an individual record. His focus is also on helping Portugal achieve Nations League success as he begins what he describes as a new era.
