Cristiano Ronaldo, the most-capped player in men’s international football, remains confident about his future with the Portugal national team.
Despite a disappointing Euro 2024 performance where he failed to score, Ronaldo is still eager to add more trophies to his illustrious career.
He expressed strong motivation ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures, showing no signs of stepping away from international football.
Ronaldo, who made headlines by joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in 2023, recently addressed speculation about his future with the national team.
He firmly dismissed any rumors suggesting that his international career was winding down.
“It never crossed my mind that my cycle with Portugal had come to an end,” Ronaldo said in a recent press conference.
Instead of considering retirement, he revealed that the challenges and setbacks only serve to fuel his determination.
“Quite the opposite: it gave me even more motivation to continue, to be honest. The motivation is to come to the national team to win the Nations League.”
Ronaldo, who played a pivotal role in Portugal’s previous Nations League triumph, is eager to help his team repeat that success.
He stressed that his approach is focused on short-term goals, aiming to contribute to each match without looking too far ahead in his career.
“We’ve already won it once and we want to do it again,” he stated. “I might say the same thing over and over again, but I don’t think long term; it’s always short term.
Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter.”
Ronaldo also addressed his current role in the national team under coach Roberto Martinez.
He emphasized that as long as he feels he is an asset to the team, he will continue to give his all on the pitch.
However, he also acknowledged that he would step aside if he ever felt he was no longer contributing positively to the team.
“What I feel at the moment, and the coach’s words also demonstrate this, is that I continue to be an asset to the national team and I will be the first to admit if that isn’t the case.
When I’m no longer an asset, I will be the first to leave. But I will go with a clear conscience, as always, because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do, and what I will continue to do,” Ronaldo explained.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo remains a vital part of Portugal’s squad, having been named in the team for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Scotland.
With criticism surrounding his performance at Euro 2024 still fresh, he is determined to prove his worth and make a significant impact in these matches.
In addition to his on-field commitments, Ronaldo continues to expand his presence off the pitch.
In August, he launched his own YouTube channel, which quickly gained millions of subscribers, showcasing his enduring popularity and influence in the world of football.
Ronaldo’s continued dedication to his national team, despite his advancing age and recent challenges, underscores his desire to remain at the top of his game.
His unwavering confidence and determination reflect a player who is not ready to step aside but is instead motivated to keep competing at the highest level for both club and country.
