I’ll Leave Portugal Team If I’m No Longer Wanted — Ronaldo

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will leave the national team if the coach or Portuguese Football Federation no longer considers him necessary.

The 41-year-old made the remarks on Wednesday during a press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales in Lisbon.

Ronaldo said he remained committed to the national team because he believes he can still make a contribution, but insisted he would accept the decision if the team no longer wanted him.

“If the coach or the president no longer counts on me, I can leave today. There is no problem,” Ronaldo said.

He added that he would be the first to initiate discussions about his departure once he felt his presence was no longer useful to the team.

Ronaldo said his continued involvement was based on mutual trust between himself, the national team and Portuguese supporters.

“If they count on me, I count on them, and the Portuguese people count on me. That is why I continue playing for the national team,” he said.

The veteran forward admitted that he had considered ending his international career following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal were knocked out in the round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, with Ronaldo subsequently leaving his international future open.

However, discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and new head coach Jorge Jesus convinced him to continue representing the country.

Ronaldo said he still believes he can help the national team and remains motivated by the opportunity to contribute on the pitch.

He also spoke about his pursuit of 1,000 career goals, saying he hopes to reach the landmark but does not regard it as an obsession.

Ronaldo currently has 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal and is seeking another Nations League title with the national team.

Portugal begin their Nations League campaign against Wales on Thursday at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, with Jesus confirming that Ronaldo will start the match.

The forward also praised Jesus, describing his appointment as a positive development and expressing confidence in the new coach.

Ronaldo said representing Portugal remains a source of pride and that, whenever the time eventually comes to retire from international football, he would continue supporting the national team as its number-one spectator.