# Ronaldo vows to keep playing for Portugal > The 41-year-old confirms he'll continue his international career and chase 1,000 career goals despite criticism. - Title: Ronaldo vows to keep playing for Portugal · the Guardian - Summary: The 41-year-old confirms he'll continue his international career and chase 1,000 career goals despite criticism. Ronaldo is staying with Portugal to reach… - Keywords: cristiano ronaldo, portugal, international football, 1000 goals, nations league, wales, jorge jesus, sporting, world cup 2026, retirement decision, sports, Ronaldo - Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/23/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-wales-nations-league - Published: 2026-09-23T16:02:57+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: cristiano ronaldo, portugal, international football, 1000 goals, nations league, wales, jorge jesus, sporting, world cup 2026, retirement decision, sports ## Ronaldo staying with Portugal The 41-year-old confirmed he will continue playing for Portugal after considering retirement following the World Cup. He is 21 goals away from reaching 1,000 for club and country. > The Portuguese count on me. That's why I'm still here. ## He considered walking away Ronaldo said he thought about quitting international football but decided to continue after conversations with Portugal's president and coach. He believes he can still help the team win games. > Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future. ## Clear exit condition Ronaldo said he will leave immediately if Portugal no longer wants him or if he stops adding value to the team. He promised to be the first to go when his time is done. > When I think I am not adding anything to the team, I will be the first to go. ## Jorge Jesus backs him Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said the 41-year-old will start against Wales in the Nations League on Thursday. Jesus defended Ronaldo passionately at a press conference. > Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team. ## Ronaldo unfazed by critics Ronaldo said critics have tried to "kill" him with a shotgun but he can still move away from it. He has dealt with criticism for over 20 years and focuses on people who love him instead. > They've tried to kill me, with a shotgun, but I can still move away from it. ## Knows his own value Ronaldo said he knows what he is and why young kids see him as an example. He is happy with himself regardless of whether he plays or is rested for games. > I know what I am. I know what I do to be here. ## Special return to Sporting Ronaldo will play at Estadio José Alvalade on Thursday, where his career began before joining Manchester United in 2003. He called it a special feeling to return to where his story started. > It's a special feeling because it was there where my beautiful history started. ## 1,000 goals would be perfect Ronaldo said scoring his 1,000th goal with Portugal would be the cherry on top of the cake and the culmination of a beautiful story. But he said he is not obsessed with the target. > It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal. ## Bellamy recalls airport lockdown Wales manager Craig Bellamy recalled when Lisbon airport was locked down for Ronaldo's arrival like a president. He called Ronaldo beyond a superstar and one of the greatest players of all generations. > How can you lock off a whole airport? It was like president stuff. ## Bellamy's respect for Ronaldo Bellamy said he hopes Ronaldo reaches 1,000 goals but hopes he scores nothing on Thursday against Wales. He praised Ronaldo's name going down in history for hundreds of years. > Who gets 1,000 goals? Seriously? It's just silly, eh? ## 233 caps and counting Ronaldo has won 233 caps for Portugal and captained the team at the World Cup, where they lost to Spain in the last 16. He remains Portugal's all-time record goalscorer. ## Carpe diem approach Ronaldo said he will step onto the pitch with passion and emotion on Thursday. He believes obsession prevents success and prefers to enjoy the moment and seize the day. > If you are obsessed with something, you won't get it. Just enjoy. Carpe diem. ## Key takeaway Ronaldo is staying with Portugal to reach 1,000 goals and will leave only when he stops adding value to the team.