Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated footballers in history, has revealed he considered retiring from international football following Portugal's early exit at the World Cup. However, he has since confirmed his decision to continue playing for his country, with the aim of scoring 1,000 goals for club and country. The 39-year-old is currently just 21 goals away from reaching this milestone, which would make him only the second player in history to achieve such a feat. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Ronaldo remains focused on his goals and the future of Portuguese football. Speaking at a press conference in Lisbon, Ronaldo acknowledged that he had seriously considered walking away from international duty after Portugal's defeat by Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup. However, he has decided to stay, citing his desire to help the national team achieve its objectives. "I had a conversation with our president and coach," he said. "I still believe I can help the national team. I can give my support not only through goals, but also outside of football." He emphasized that if he ever felt he was no longer contributing positively to the team, he would step aside without hesitation. Ronaldo's decision to continue has been supported by new Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, who has described the veteran as a "symbol of Portugal and the national team." Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would start in Portugal's upcoming Nations League match against Wales on Thursday, marking the beginning of his tenure as coach. The match will be played at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, where Ronaldo began his career with Sporting before joining Manchester United in 2003. Ronaldo expressed his pride in returning to the stadium where his journey began, saying it felt like "the first time" to play for his country. Despite the criticism he has faced throughout his career, particularly during his time with top clubs in England, Spain, and Italy, Ronaldo remains focused on his goals and the support of Portuguese fans. "I do understand that some TV channels like to criticise me," he said. "They've tried to kill me with a shotgun, but I can still move away from it." He added that he has grown accustomed to the scrutiny over the past two decades and focuses on the people who support him. While he has confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last international tournament, he remains open about his long-term future, stating he is not consumed by the pursuit of milestones, but rather by the joy of the game.