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Wednesday, 23 September 2026dailybeirut.com
Football
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward outlined dual objectives—scoring his 1,000th career goal and winning the UEFA Nations League—while acknowledging threats against his life and uncertainty over retirement timing.
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he does not know when he will retire. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales on 24 September 2026 at 20:45, the Al-Nassr star laid out two primary goals: reaching his 1,000th career goal and lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy.
Ronaldo made the remarks during the Portuguese Football Summit, held from today through Friday at the Portuguese Football Federation’s City of Football in Oeiras, Lisbon. “I don’t think I have ever spoken to this many people before,” he said. “My goal is twofold: to score my 1,000th goal and to win the UEFA Nations League.”
He emphasized that the milestone is not an obsession: “I know I will achieve it, but it is not an obsession. The rest is about enjoying it, but yes, I really want to achieve this record.”
Ronaldo praised the appointment of Jorge Jesus as Portugal’s head coach, calling it “a perfect choice.” He highlighted Jesus’s distinct communication style, fresh tactical ideas, and familiarity among players who have previously worked with him. “He brings a different atmosphere, new ideas, and a different way of speaking,” Ronaldo stated. “And as the coach said, many have worked with him before, which makes things easier.”
He also acknowledged Roberto Martinez’s tenure: “It is a new era, and we must congratulate coach Roberto Martinez on the work he did, especially as he is from another country, despite all the criticism directed at him.”
When asked about criticism and hostility, Ronaldo responded candidly: “I can’t be completely frank. I have to be diplomatic. I have always said that I have received a warm welcome, but this year has been one of the years in which I have felt this appreciation the most.”
He added: “There are people who want to kill me, but only with a shotgun.” In a follow-up comment, he clarified: “Some channels try to attack me and tarnish my reputation, but they have no chance, unless they use a rifle. And even then, I would dodge the bullet. But I am used to it.”
He distinguished between stadiums where hostility felt justified and those where it did not: “At the Dragao stadium, I understood it because of the rivalry… As for the Luz stadium, it is different, because it seems we cannot play there, at least that is what I read… But the fact that six people don’t like me is something that does not bother me.”
On the question of retirement, Ronaldo offered no definitive timeline: “I don’t know, I wish I knew the answer, but I don’t.” He elaborated: “I learned to live in the moment in my early thirties, so I don’t know, but it is very likely that this will be my last year. I will tell you when my last match is.”
He confirmed he had considered stepping away after the World Cup: “Yes, I always think about my decisions. I think about everything. As you see me here, I have decided to continue.”
Concluding his remarks, he affirmed his commitment: “I spoke with the president and the coach, and they are counting on me. I believe I can continue to help the national team, not only by scoring goals, but because this is a new generation. But the most important thing is to stay on the pitch and keep scoring goals.”
