Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will step away from the national team if the country no longer wants him to continue playing.
The 41-year-old made the declaration on Wednesday during a press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales.
Ronaldo, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, said he would have no problem leaving the national team if the Portuguese Football Federation decided it was time for him to go.
“If Portugal no longer want to rely on me, I can leave from today. I have no problem with that,” Ronaldo said.
He added that he would be the first to initiate discussions with the federation if its officials or the Portuguese authorities no longer wanted him in the team.
“Or even the president. When they no longer want to rely on me in the national team, I’ll be the first to speak to them about it.”
Despite leaving the decision open, Ronaldo stressed that he still feels supported by the Portuguese people and the national team.
“If they rely on me, I rely on them. And the Portuguese people rely on me. That’s why I continue playing for the national team.”
The veteran forward admitted that he seriously considered retiring from international football following Portugal’s round-of-16 elimination at the 2026 World Cup.
However, discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and new head coach Jorge Jesus convinced him to continue.
“They count on me. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal and remains motivated by his desire to contribute to the national team.
He is also 21 goals away from reaching 1,000 goals for club and country, a landmark he described as “the icing on the cake” if he reaches it with the national team.
The forward said he has set two targets for the coming months: reaching 1,000 career goals and helping Portugal win another Nations League title under Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martínez as head coach.
Portugal will begin their Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, with Jesus confirming that Ronaldo will start the match.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, said he is ready to accept whatever decision the coach makes regarding his playing time.
“I’m completely ready to play. If the coach wants me to start the match on the bench, I’m ready for that too.
“Even if I don’t play in the match, there won’t be a problem.
“It’s about managing the squad, and that’s the coach’s responsibility.”