Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will leave the Portugal national team immediately if he believes the country no longer wants him to continue representing them.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the declaration on Wednesday, September 23, during a press conference ahead of the team’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales.
Ronaldo, who remains part of new head coach Jorge Jesus’ plans, said his continued involvement with the national team depends on mutual trust between himself, the coaching staff, the Portuguese Football Federation and the supporters.
“When they no longer want to rely on me in the national team, I’ll be the first to speak to them about it,” Ronaldo said.
The Al-Nassr forward explained that he would have no problem stepping aside if he felt he was no longer contributing positively to the team.
“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,” he said.
Ronaldo added that he remains with Portugal because he believes the country still has confidence in his ability to contribute.
“The Portuguese count on me. That’s why I’m still here,” he said.
The comments come several months after Ronaldo admitted that he seriously considered his international future following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the round of 16 after Mikel Merino scored late to secure a 1-0 victory. Ronaldo confirmed after the match that it had been his final World Cup appearance but said he did not want to make a rushed decision about his future with the national team.
His position changed after discussions with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and newly appointed coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo said the conversations convinced him that he could still contribute to Portugal, prompting him to continue his international career.
Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martínez following Portugal’s World Cup exit, has also made it clear that Ronaldo remains available on merit rather than reputation.
The new coach previously said Ronaldo would be treated like every other player when it comes to selection, although he acknowledged the forward’s unique status and career achievements.
Jesus has already confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales in his first match as Portugal coach.
The match will mark the beginning of a new era for Portugal, with Jesus attempting to build on the country’s recent success while managing a squad that still contains several experienced players.
For Ronaldo, there is also a personal target driving him forward.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is chasing 1,000 career goals for club and country. Reuters reported on Wednesday that he is 21 goals short of the landmark, which would add another major statistical achievement to a career that has already produced numerous records.
Ronaldo described the possibility of reaching 1,000 goals for Portugal as the “icing on the cake” and said he also wants to help the national team compete for another Nations League title.
Portugal are the reigning Nations League champions and will begin their latest campaign against Wales before facing Norway and Denmark in the coming weeks.
The forward’s future beyond the current international cycle remains uncertain, however. In August, Ronaldo said the 2026/27 season would probably be his final year as a professional footballer, although he did not give a specific retirement date.
For now, Ronaldo remains committed to Portugal and is preparing for another competitive campaign with the national team.
His latest message was straightforward: as long as Portugal still wants him and he believes he can contribute, he intends to remain available. But if that confidence disappears, Ronaldo says he will be the first to step away.
