Cristiano Ronaldo Stays With Portugal, Targets 1,000 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, confirmed he has decided to continue playing for Portugal after previously considering retirement following the World Cup. He aims to reach 1,000 career goals and win the Nations League. He currently has 979 goals for club and country, according to Sky Sports.

He spoke at the press conference before Portugal's Nations League opener against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr and turns 42 in February, will take his 234th cap. Head coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed he will start at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, the home of Sporting, Ronaldo's first club.

Asked whether the 1,000 mark is his only target, Ronaldo said:

The goal is to achieve both, to reach 1000 goals and for the national team to try to win the Nations League.

Ronaldo said he decided to continue after talks with the federation president and the coach. "I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here," he said. He added that he can contribute off the pitch too, in what he called a new era with a young generation.

He arrives with 233 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, both national records. Jesus is taking charge of his first camp after replacing Roberto Martínez following the World Cup. Portugal are in a group with Wales, Denmark and Norway. With him in the side, Portugal have won one European Championship and two Nations League titles.

If Ronaldo keeps starting under Jesus, the 21 goals he needs could come mainly through international windows like this one, though that depends on his form for Al-Nassr and on how long he chooses to continue.