Ronaldo Urges Portugal Ambition Ahead of Nations League Return to Lisbon
Cristiano Ronaldo has said Portugal’s next cycle must begin with ambition as the captain prepares to return to Estadio Jose Alvalade for Thursday night’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales. The 39-year-old, whose senior career started at Sporting’s Lisbon ground, will lead the side into the 2026-27 League A campaign under new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Speaking before the match, Ronaldo welcomed Jesus’s appointment and backed the coach to guide Portugal into a new phase. He also paid tribute to Roberto Martinez, his predecessor in the role, while stressing that the squad is ready for a demanding sequence of four matches in 15 days.
Portugal’s opening fixture with Wales is followed by a meeting with Norway at Estadio do Dragao on October 4. Ronaldo is expected to spearhead the attack as Portugal seek an early three points in the competition.
Ronaldo focused on contribution and another milestone
The Al-Nassr forward said his continued international involvement is based on what he can offer on the pitch, rather than the standing he has built during a record-breaking Portugal career. He remains intent on becoming the first player to reach 1,000 senior career goals, although he insisted the target has not become an unhealthy fixation.
Ronaldo said he expects to reach the landmark and described scoring goal number 1,000 for Portugal as a possible crowning moment. “I have said that I want to reach it, and I will,” he said. “To score the 1,000th goal with the national team would complete another wonderful chapter. I am here because I can help and because I bring value to the team.”
He also addressed continued debate over when he may end his international career. Ronaldo said he is concentrating on the present and the support he receives from fans around the world, despite criticism in some media coverage. While accepting that the end of his playing career may not be far away, he indicated that he would leave Portugal immediately and without dispute if the federation or Jesus no longer wanted him.
In a joking response to criticism, he said that some broadcasters try to “finish” him off, adding that even a shotgun would not be enough because he would avoid the bullet. His position, however, was clear: if he is no longer selected, he will simply take his ball and go.
For now, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain and their leading international scorer, with Wales providing the first test of a new Nations League campaign and Jorge Jesus’s tenure in charge.
