Cristiano Ronaldo targets 1,000 goals and Nations League glory with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo says he wants to score the 1,000th goal of his career and win the Nations League as he begins what could be the final chapter of his Portugal career under new manager Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old forward was speaking before Portugal’s opening Nations League match against Wales on Thursday, during the Portuguese Football Summit at the Portuguese Football Federation’s Cidade do Futebol complex in Oeiras, Lisbon.

“I don’t think I have ever spoken to this many people before,” Ronaldo said. “My goal is twofold: to score my 1,000th goal and to win the Nations League.”

Portugal’s new era

Ronaldo praised former manager Roberto Martinez for his work despite the criticism he received, saying: “It is a new era, and we must congratulate Roberto Martinez on the work he did, especially as he came from another country.”

He welcomed the appointment of Jorge Jesus, who has taken charge of the national team.

“We now have Jorge Jesus, who everyone knows, and I am sure things will go well,” Ronaldo said.

The captain also responded to criticism aimed at him and said he had continued to receive a positive reception despite attacks from some broadcasters.

“I cannot be completely honest; I have to be diplomatic,” he said. “I have always said I received a great welcome, but this year was one of the years when I felt most appreciated.

“There are people who want to kill me, but only with a shotgun.”

Ronaldo added: “I have played football for many years and have received a good welcome almost everywhere. Some channels try to attack me and damage my reputation, but they have no chance unless they use a shotgun. Even then, I avoid the bullet. But I am used to it.”

He said he understood the hostility at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao because of the rivalry, but viewed the atmosphere at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz differently.

“At the Estadio do Dragao, I understand it because of the competition,” Ronaldo said. “At the Estadio da Luz, it is different, because apparently we cannot play there – at least that is what I read. But the fact that six people do not like me does not bother me.”

Ronaldo uncertain over retirement

Asked when he would retire, Ronaldo replied: “I don’t know. I wish I knew the answer, but I don’t.”

He added that this could very well be his final year, but said he would announce his decision when the time came.

“I learned to live in the moment in my early thirties, so I don’t know,” he said. “It is very possible that this will be my final year. I will tell you when my last match is.”

On the possibility of playing at Euro 2028, Ronaldo said: “I am only thinking about the present. I know many people want me to retire from international football now, but my motivation comes from the people who want to continue seeing me.”

He remains confident he will reach 1,000 goals, although he insisted the target was not an obsession.

“I know I will achieve it, but it is not an obsession,” he said. “The rest is about enjoying it, but yes, I really want to reach that record.”

Ronaldo also said he had considered retiring from international football after the World Cup, but had decided to continue following discussions with Portugal’s president and manager.

“They rely on me,” he said. “I believe I can continue helping the national team, not only by scoring goals, but because this is a new generation. The most important thing is to remain on the pitch and keep scoring.”