Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he considered quitting the national team after the World Cup but ultimately chose to stay with Portugal.
Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February, will make his 234th cap for Portugal against Wales on Thursday, with new head coach Jorge Jesus confirming the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will start in Lisbon.
Some thought the game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium – the home of Ronaldo’s first club Sporting Lisbon – could be his farewell, but the striker insists he still has things to do for his country.
When asked if he considered leaving Portugal after the World Cup, Ronaldo said: “Yes, I have thought about it. Of course, I have been thinking about my decision, my future and now.”
“I’m a thinker. You have to think. That’s why you see me here now. That means I’m going to keep going.
“I talked to our president, our coach. I still believe I can help the national team get where they want it to be and get it done when I feel like I’ve done nothing here.”
“I can offer my support to the national team, not just by scoring goals but also with things other than football.
“This is a new generation of young people. But for me the basic point is to be able to score goals on the pitch and help the team win games.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal is counting on me
Ronaldo will reunite with his former Nasr boss Jesus for his country, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner confident he can make an impact at international level.
He added: “I came to the national team because I made a difference at the club. Whatever the coach needs, I can do it – whether it’s playing, coming on as a substitute or not playing.”
“No one has played more for the national team than me and I’m here because I want to help the national team. I know the coach is counting on me and I’m not here because of my resume but because of what I’ve done at the club.”
“If the manager or president didn’t trust me, I would leave immediately.
“When I feel like I’m not contributing anything here anymore or the atmosphere is bad, I’ll be the first to pack up and leave. If you look at the numbers, you can still see the difference I’ve made.
“I will always be a fan of this federation and will always be able to help this federation. I only think about the present moment… I know a lot of people want me to leave now, but my motivation comes from those who want to continue to see me.”
Ronaldo: The goal is 1,000 goals
With his country winning the European Cup and Nations League, you might think Ronaldo has nothing left to prove. But a 1,000th career win and another trophy are undoubtedly the 42-year-old’s top priority.
The Al Nasr striker, who now has 979 goals, said: “Scoring the 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of something – a beautiful story.
“This won’t be the end of the story, but it will be a beautiful story.
“I’ve admitted that I want to get there and I’m going to get there. Obsession? No. The rest is to enjoy it and enjoy every day.
“I know why young kids like Cristiano because they see me as a role model and I will continue to do that. Even if I retire… in 10 years.
“I’m very happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow or if I rest in the next game, the most important thing for me is that I feel good.”
Where to watch Portugal vs Wales: TV channels, online live streaming
Kick-off on Thursday is 19:45 BST (14:45 ET/11:45 PT). In the UK, live television coverage is provided by BBC One Wales, BBC Two and S4C.
Stream on a variety of devices via the BBC iPlayer app, BBC Sport website, and S4C Online.
For more information about global broadcasts, please visit UEFA Nations League International Broadcaster.