Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, emphasized his focus on the present moment as he addressed the media ahead of Portugal’s Nations League clash with Wales. Despite earlier remarks suggesting this season might mark the end of his playing career, Ronaldo refrained from committing to a retirement date from international football.
“I’m no longer at an age where I think about the future,” Ronaldo stated, underscoring that his priority lies in the here and now rather than long-term plans. The veteran forward expressed willingness to step away from the national team whenever the coaching staff deems it appropriate, also indicating that he intends to announce his international retirement before playing his final match.
Chasing a Milestone Amid a New Chapter
Ronaldo revealed his ambition to reach the landmark of 1,000 career goals, a target within reach as he has already netted 979 goals across all competitions. While insisting that this is not an obsession, he expressed a particular desire to score his 1,000th goal representing Portugal. “That would be the cherry on the cake,” he said, describing such an achievement with the national team as the perfect culmination of his remarkable journey.
In addition to reflecting on his personal goals, Ronaldo commented on the appointment of Jorge Jesus as Portugal’s new head coach. Having previously worked together at Saudi club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo described the 72-year-old as “the perfect choice” to succeed former coach Roberto Martínez and heralded his arrival as “the beginning of a new era” for the Portuguese squad.