The lights at Lisbon’s José Alvalade will come up on another chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal story on Thursday, with the captain set to start against Wales in the Nations League at 20:45. At 41, and approaching what will be his 234th international appearance, Ronaldo remains central to a side beginning again under new coach Jorge Jesus.
Portugal enter the competition as reigning Nations League holders, but Ronaldo arrived at the pre-match press conference carrying the same defiant tone he showed before July’s World Cup last-16 defeat to Spain, a 1-0 loss. Questions over his international future were again unavoidable, although the five-time Ballon d’Or winner declined to set a date for his retirement.
“I do not know myself,” Ronaldo said. “I take life day by day and try to enjoy every moment.” He will turn 42 in February, yet has set himself two clear targets: reaching 1,000 career goals, with his current total standing at 979, and lifting the Nations League again with Portugal.
The forward also gave his full support to Jesus, who takes charge after Roberto Martinez’s departure. Ronaldo said Portugal should not erase what had been achieved under Martinez, insisting the former manager deserved thanks despite the criticism directed towards him.
“This is a new era,” Ronaldo said. “That does not mean we should forget what came before. We have to thank and congratulate Roberto Martinez, who did his best despite the attacks he received. Now there is a new era with Mister Jorge Jesus. I am convinced he is the right coach to get the best from me.”
Ronaldo believes Jesus’s familiarity with several Portugal players can help the new regime settle quickly, and said he hoped the coach would remain in the role for many years. Jesus then confirmed that his captain would be in the starting line-up against Wales.
Ronaldo accepts a managed role
Portugal’s captain made clear that he does not expect to complete every minute of the forthcoming schedule. “I am available to the coach in every way: to start, to come on or to be taken off,” he said. “The pride I feel when I join the national team is unchanged, even after all these years.”
“One thing is certain: I will not play 90 minutes in all four matches,” he added. “If the coach or the president no longer wanted me, I could leave today. The day they believe I am no longer useful, or that I create a bad atmosphere, I will pack my bags and go. There would be no issue. I would support the federation and the team in another way.”
For now, Ronaldo said he remains because Jesus, the Portuguese Football Federation president and the public still have faith in him. His final words drew applause from federation guests at the back of the room, before Portugal turned their attention to Wales and the opening night of their title defence.
