Ronaldo kept in Portugal squad as he targets 1,000th goal and Nations League success

Cristiano Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 and is set to win his 234th cap, has been named in Jorge Jesus' 25-man squad for Portugal's Nations League opener against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward said he had considered retiring after the World Cup but opted to extend his international career and is targeting the 21 goals he needs to reach 1,000 career goals.

Ronaldo confirmed in the summer that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, although his long-term future remained uncertain. He is a former Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player who has continued to attract attention over the course of a long international career. Asked if he thought about retiring from international duty after the World Cup, Ronaldo responded: "Yes, I did." He added: "Of course, I'm always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also. I'm a thinker, you have to think."

Ronaldo said discussions with national-team leadership influenced his decision to stay available. "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," he said. "I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football."

As well as personal milestones, Ronaldo said team silverware remains a priority; he is a two-time Nations League winner and wants another title. "Both aims are important," he said. "One thousand goals, yes, and the national team. Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow [Thursday], it's a new age."

Portugal's squad for this international window includes young players Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao, and Ronaldo cited the emergence of a new generation as a factor in his decision to continue. "This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games," he said. "For me, the most important thing, I know what I am. I know what I do to be here, to have the success that I have. "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! "I'm happy with myself. It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow, if I rest the next game. For me, the most important thing is that I feel good."

Speaking at a news conference in Lisbon, Portugal boss Jesus described Ronaldo as a "symbol of Portugal and the national team". The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also addressed criticism from sections of the media and reflected on the support he receives from supporters: "This [Portugal] is possibly where I have felt most cared," he said. "From the fans, I also feel the Portuguese like me. "I do understand that some TV channels like to criticise me, they've tried to kill me with a shotgun, but I can still move away from it. "Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me."

Portugal's Nations League campaign begins against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September, 19:45 BST; the match will be shown live on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and 5 Live, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary.