Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he seriously considered walking away from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026, but ultimately chose to continue — driven by a burning desire to help Portugal win more silverware and a personal quest to reach 1,000 career goals.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward, who confirmed earlier this year that 2026 would mark his final World Cup, has been named in Jorge Jesus' 25-man Portugal squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Portugal open Group A4 on Thursday evening against Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

A milestone in sight

Ronaldo currently needs 21 more goals to reach the 1,000-career-goal landmark — a figure he has made no secret of targeting. When asked directly whether he contemplated retiring from international duty after the World Cup, he was candid.