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Ronaldo eyes 1,000-goal milestone; shelves retirement
Published : Thursday, 24 September, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has put aside thoughts of international retirement, confirming his intent to continue playing for his national team as he closes in on the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.
Addressing media queries ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales, the 41-year-old forward admitted he had pondered stepping away following the World Cup.
"Yes, I thought about it. I always think about my decisions, my future, and my present. But the fact that you see me here now means I will continue," Ronaldo said.
With 233 caps for Portugal, Ronaldo expressed confidence in his ability to contribute on the field and mentor younger players off it. He emphasized that he would voluntarily step down the day he feels he can no longer contribute or is no longer needed by the team.
The upcoming match against Wales carries personal emotional weight for Ronaldo, as it takes place at Lisbon's José Alvalade Stadium—the venue where his professional career began with Sporting CP before his 2003 transfer to Manchester United.
New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, praised the veteran forward as a symbol of Portuguese football and confirmed his inclusion for the Wales fixture.
Ronaldo is currently 21 goals away from reaching 1,000 senior career goals for club and country.
"Scoring my 1,000th goal for the national team would be the cherry on top of the cake. It would be the complete ending to a beautiful story," Ronaldo added.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
