Ronaldo Stays With Portugal, Sets Sights on 1,000 Career Goals
The short version
- Ronaldo, 41, said he thought about leaving international football after the World Cup.
- He confirmed he will keep playing for Portugal and targets 1,000 career goals for club and country.
- He sits 21 goals short of the milestone and has earned 233 caps.
- Portugal captained by Ronaldo were eliminated by Spain in the World Cup round of 16.
- He said of critics: 'they've tried to kill me,' and Jorge Jesus defended him publicly.
The 41-year-old forward admitted he weighed international retirement after the World Cup but says he will continue with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo intends to keep representing Portugal at international level, revealing that retirement from the national team crossed his mind after this summer's World Cup before he decided against it.
The 41-year-old, capped 233 times, skippered his country at the tournament, which ended for Portugal with a round-of-16 defeat against Spain. He is currently 21 goals away from a combined total of 1,000 for club and country, a mark he still wants to hit.
Speaking about doubters, the veteran forward remarked that 'they've tried to kill me,' while making clear his intention to keep going. He explained that he regularly weighs his choices about the present and what lies ahead.
Asked directly whether stepping away from Portugal had been on his mind, he answered that it had, adding that reflecting on such matters is part of who he is, and that his continued presence signals his choice to carry on.
Former manager Jorge Jesus has also spoken out strongly in support of the 41-year-old amid the criticism.
