Ronaldo says he can still help Portugal despite criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo said he considered ending his international career after the World Cup, while acknowledging that some critics in Portugal want him to leave the national team.

The 41-year-old forward was confirmed by coach Jorge Jesus as a starter for his 234th appearance for Portugal, against Wales on Thursday in the Nations League.

Asked at a pre-match news conference whether he had considered retiring from international football after Portugal's round-of-16 defeat to Spain in July, Ronaldo said he had.

"Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present also," he said.

Ronaldo said he had discussed his future with Portugal's president and Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr and led the team to the Saudi league title in May.

"I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want, and I will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here," he said.

Ronaldo, who led Portugal to the Nations League title in 2025, is also closing in on 1,000 career goals.

"This is a new young generation," he said. "But for me, the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score goals and help the team win games."

Ronaldo also acknowledged that he remains a target of criticism in his home country.

"I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I do understand that some TV channels want to criticize me," he said.

"They are dying for me not to come to the national team any more, but I can still move away from it."

Ronaldo said he has become accustomed to criticism after more than two decades in the spotlight.

"I'm used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me," he said.

He added that he hopes to remain an example for younger generations even after retiring.

"I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am retired… in 10 years," Ronaldo said with a smile.