Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed any notion that he’s considering ending his international career anytime soon, saying that criticism after the Euros doesn’t bother him.
Portugal is set to face Croatia in their Nations League opener on Thursday and Scotland in League A Group One on Sunday, with manager Roberto Martinez including Ronaldo in the squad for both matches.
“That’s just talk from the press. The idea that my time with Portugal is over never even crossed my mind,” Ronaldo said during a press conference on Monday. “If anything, it has only motivated me more to keep going.”
“My focus is on helping the national team win the Nations League again. We’ve done it before, and we want to do it again. I don’t think about the long term; I take things one step at a time.”
Ronaldo captained Portugal to victory in the inaugural Nations League in 2018-19, three years after leading them to their first European Championship title in France.
“I always approach my career with the mindset that I’m a starter,” Ronaldo added. “Right now, I feel like I’m still a valuable asset to the national team, and the coach’s [Roberto Martinez’s] words reinforce that. If the time comes when I’m no longer an asset, I’ll be the first to step aside.”
“When that day comes, I’ll leave with a clear conscience, knowing I gave everything I had,” he continued.
The 39-year-old appeared unfazed by the criticism he faced for not scoring at the 2024 European Championship. He also missed a penalty in extra time during the round of 16 against Slovenia, but Portugal still won the game in a shootout.
“Criticism is part of the game because, without it, there’s no growth. It’s always been that way, and it’s not going to change now,” Ronaldo said. “I focus on being as professional as possible, contributing not just with goals and assists, but also with discipline and leadership. Football is about more than just playing well or scoring.”
“People who criticize often don’t understand the intricacies of the game. It’s like me giving an opinion on Formula One when I don’t know anything about tires, rims, or the weight of the car,” he added. “Criticism is normal and doesn’t bother me at all.”
