Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his commitment to the Portugal national team, declaring on 23 September that he would be the 'first one to go' the moment he feels unwanted or unable to contribute — while confirming he still believes he can add value to the side at the age of 41.

What Ronaldo Said

'Whenever they say they don't want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go. When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go. I will take my suitcase and leave,' Ronaldo told reporters ahead of Portugal's upcoming clash against Wales.

He added: 'The Portuguese count on me. That's why I'm still here. Just look at the numbers; I'm sure you can make some calculations. I'm still doing well. The day they don't count on me, no problemo, I will leave. I will always be the No. 1 fan of this federation.'

The World Cup Exit and His Deliberation

Ronaldo had conspicuously refused to confirm his international future after Portugal were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by eventual champions Spain in the round of 16 in July. The uncertainty lingered until new head coach Jorge Jesus included him in his first squad, effectively settling the question.

Ronaldo admitted he had genuinely weighed stepping away. 'Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future, and the present also. I'm a thinker; you have to think. This is why you see me here now; it means I will continue,' he said. The decision to stay, he noted, came following discussions with Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença and coach Jesus.

His Role Under Jorge Jesus

Jesus, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has confirmed that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will start Portugal's Nations League fixture against Wales on Thursday. The new coach's endorsement was unambiguous: 'Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team,' Jesus said.

Ronaldo, now capped 233 times for Portugal, sees his role as extending beyond goals. 'I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want. I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football,' he said, pointing to his value as a mentor for the younger generation coming through.

Closing in on 1,000 Goals

Ronaldo stands at 979 goals for club and country, leaving him just 21 short of the landmark 1,000-goal milestone. He acknowledged the significance but cautioned against obsession: 'It would be the cherry on the top of the cake to score my 1,000th goal with the national team. It would be the culmination of a beautiful story. I said I wanted to reach that target and I will reach that target. But I don't have an obsession.'

Return to José Alvalade Stadium

The match against Wales is scheduled at José Alvalade Stadium — the ground where Ronaldo began his professional career with Sporting CP. The occasion carries clear emotional weight for the veteran forward. 'It's a special feeling because it was there that my beautiful history started. I'm very proud of that, to play for the national team after so many years,' he said.

Notably, this will be Ronaldo's first competitive appearance under Jesus, who takes over following the departure of Roberto Martinez. How Portugal adapt to the new coaching regime — and how central Ronaldo's role remains — will define the next chapter of his international career.