Ronaldo, 41, had refused to confirm his international future after Portugal were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by eventual champions Spain in the round of 16 in July. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
His inclusion in new head coach Jorge Jesus\u2019 first Portugal squad has now confirmed that the veteran forward remains available for national team duty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhenever they say they don\u2019t want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go. When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go. I will take my suitcase and leave,\u201d Ronaldo told reporters ahead of Wales clash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Portuguese count on me. That\u2019s why I\u2019m still here. Just look at the numbers; I\u2019m sure you can make some calculations. I\u2019m still doing well. The day they don\u2019t count on me, no problemo, I will leave. I will always be the No. 1 fan of this federation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ronaldo admitted that he had considered stepping away from international football after the World Cup but decided to continue following discussions with Portugal president Pedro Proen\u00e7a and Jesus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, I did. Of course, I\u2019m always thinking about my decisions, my future, and the present also. I\u2019m a thinker; you have to think. This is why you see me here now; it means I will continue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The five-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner said he still believes he can help Portugal, not only with his goals but also by supporting a younger generation coming through.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI still believe that I\u2019m able to help the national team to reach what they want. I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football,\u201d Ronaldo said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ronaldo has made 233 appearances for Portugal and remains a key part of the side as Jesus begins his tenure following Roberto Martinez\u2019s departure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has confirmed that the forward will start Portugal\u2019s Nations League clash against Wales on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team,\u201d Jesus said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ronaldo is also closing in on another major milestone, with 979 goals for club and country, leaving him 21 short of 1,000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The forward said he wants to reach the landmark but does not want to become obsessed with the target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team. It would be the culmination of a beautiful story. I said I wanted to reach that target and I will reach that target. But I don\u2019t have an obsession,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The forward said he wants to reach the landmark but does not want to become obsessed with the target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a special feeling because it was there that my beautiful history started. I\u2019m very proud of that, to play for the national team after so many years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n