Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captain, said in Lisbon on Wednesday that he will leave the national team immediately if Portugal no longer want to rely on him, as new head coach Jorge Jesus prepares the 41-year-old forward to start against Wales in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s comments came as Portugal began a new era under Jesus following the departure of Roberto Martínez after the team’s last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup.
Also read: Love wins: Ronaldo marries his longtime partner Georgina
Reuters reported that Ronaldo had previously hinted that the tournament could mark the end of his international career.
The veteran forward, however, made clear that he remains willing to contribute while he believes Portugal still have confidence in him.
“When they no longer want to rely on me in the national team, I’ll be the first to speak to them about it,” Ronaldo said. “The day they don’t count on me, no problem, I will leave.”
Ronaldo said discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and Jesus helped persuade him to continue after the World Cup.
“They count on me. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team,” Ronaldo said. “The most important point is to be able, inside the pitch, to score goals and help the team to win games.”
The comments provide a measured picture of Ronaldo’s position. He has not announced his retirement and remains part of Jesus’ first Portugal squad, but he has also acknowledged that his international future depends on his contribution and the confidence of those around the team.
Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has said selection will be based on performance rather than reputation.
Despite that stance, the new coach has confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales at the José Alvalade Stadium.
For Ronaldo, Thursday’s fixture also carries a personal significance.
The match will take place at Sporting’s José Alvalade Stadium, where his professional story began before his move to Manchester United in 2003.
“It’s a special feeling because it was there where my beautiful history started,” Ronaldo said. “It is always a pleasure to play for the national team, to wear the colours of Portugal.”
Ronaldo enters the new Nations League campaign with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal.
Across club and international football, he has scored 979 senior goals, leaving him 21 short of the 1,000-goal milestone he has openly targeted.
The forward described reaching four figures in Portugal colours as “the icing on the cake”, although he insisted the pursuit was not an obsession.
“I’ve already admitted that I want to get there, and I will get there,” Ronaldo said. “An obsession? No. The rest is about enjoying it, enjoying every day.”
Ronaldo’s immediate ambition is therefore twofold: to help Portugal defend their Nations League title and to continue moving towards the 1,000-goal landmark.
Portugal won the 2025 Nations League after beating Spain on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the final.
Ronaldo scored Portugal’s second goal before the Portuguese side prevailed in the shoot-out.
The Wales match will also mark the beginning of Jesus’ competitive tenure as Portugal coach.
The former Al-Nassr manager replaced Martínez after Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended against eventual champions Spain.
For now, Ronaldo Portugal future remains firmly tied to performance, trust and his own willingness to contribute.
Also read: Love wins: Ronaldo marries his longtime partner Georgina
With the new coach beside him and another international campaign beginning, the 41-year-old has made clear that he is still prepared to carry the Portugal shirt, while equally prepared to step aside when the relationship reaches its natural end.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
