‘Until end of my career, I will always be a starter’ – Cristiano Ronaldo 

Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed rumours of retiring from international football, pledging commitment to Portugal ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ronaldo made it clear that ending his international career was never an option, despite recent criticism.

“It never crossed my mind that my cycle with Portugal had come to an end,” Ronaldo stated. “Quite the opposite: it gave me even more motivation to continue.”

Ronaldo, 39, will captain Portugal as they face Croatia and Scotland in their Nations League fixtures.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his short-term focus on helping Portugal secure another Nations League title, a tournament they first won under his leadership in 2019.

“Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter,” Ronaldo added.

The Al Nassr star also addressed criticism he faced after the 2024 European Championship, where he failed to score and missed a crucial penalty in the round of 16 against Slovenia.

“Criticism is great because if it doesn’t exist, there’s no progress,” Ronaldo remarked. “For me, criticism is good and part of it, it’s no problem at all.”