Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he will continue with Portugal ahead of Nations League tie

Cristiano Ronaldo will play his 234th game for Portugal against Wales in Lisbon tonight in the Nations League and has said he will continue his international career after contemplating retirement following last summer’s World Cup.

He will be 42 in February and is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Jorge Jesus confirmed the forward will take the field, and the fixture is at the José Alvalade Stadium, which is where Sporting plays. Some fans and pundits had predicted the game could be his last for his country.

Ronaldo acknowledged a difficult World Cup last summer, saying: “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. It means I will continue.” That tournament disappointment prompted rumours his international career might be over.

He described discussions that shaped his choice, saying: “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.”

Ronaldo spoke about his role beyond scoring, saying: “I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.” He also addressed the team’s generational change: “This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 979 goals in his career and is now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He denied that scoring 1,000 goals is his only objective, but he did say that he would love to do it while playing for Portugal.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed Ronaldo will take the field at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon tonight in the Nations League match against Wales, a fixture that will serve as his 234th appearance for the national team.