Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring after the World Cup but opted to extend his career to reach 1,000 goals and help Portugal succeed. The 41-year-old confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last, but his future remained uncertain. He has been included in Jorge Jesus' 25-man squad for Portugal's Nations League campaign, starting against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday. Ronaldo also targets the 21 goals needed for the 1,000 mark.

Asked if he thought about retiring from international duty after the World Cup, Ronaldo said: "Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also. I'm a thinker, you have to think." He added: "I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want."

Ronaldo, a two-time Nations League winner, said adding a third title was also an aim: "Both aims are important. One thousand goals, yes, and the national team. Winning the Nations League, the competition starts tomorrow, it's a new age." Young talents Fabio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Francisco Conceicao are in the squad.

Ronaldo joked he will play on for another decade and said helping new talents was pivotal: "This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games."