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Cristiano Ronaldo has laughed off his critics and vowed to continue playing for Portugal as he targets the landmark of 1,000 career goals.
The Portugal captain spoke ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, where he also backed new manager Jorge Jesus to lead the country into a new era.
Ronaldo, who remains a key part of Jesus’ first Portugal squad, said reaching 1,000 goals remains a major ambition but insisted he would not allow the pursuit to become an obsession.
“I’ve already admitted that I want to get there and I will get there,” Ronaldo said. “Scoring the 1,000th goal for the national team would be the culmination of another beautiful story. I come to the national team because I make a difference and I’m an asset.”
The 41-year-old also dismissed persistent criticism of his performances and questions over his international future, joking that even attempts to bring him down would not force him out.
“Some channels like to attack me and try to kill me, but that’s not a chance. Only with a shotgun, and even then I’d still dodge the bullet,” Ronaldo said.
He added: “The day they don’t count on me, I’ll grab my ball and leave.”
Ronaldo has refused to set a definite date for his retirement, saying he is concentrating on the present and will continue as long as Portugal’s coach and federation want him. He has also acknowledged that the current season could be his last.
Portugal, the defending Nations League champions, face Wales in Lisbon on Thursday before continuing their campaign against Norway and Denmark. Ronaldo has identified winning the Nations League alongside reaching 1,000 career goals as his two major objectives.
