Ronaldo focusing on ‘present’ ahead of Wales test

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, accompanied by his team, practiced for their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Wales at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal. The 41-year-old football star appeared before the press on Wednesday, the day before the game, stating that he is focused on the present and declining to give a date for his retirement.

Earlier this summer, Ronaldo had announced that this season would likely be his last, which sparked questions from reporters. He emphasized that he is not at an age where he thinks about the future, asserting that the present is what truly matters.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player confirmed his intention to retire from international play as soon as the coaching staff decides to let him go, hinting that he may announce his retirement before the final match. Ronaldo also reiterated his goal to reach 1,000 career goals, having already scored 979 in all competitions. He clarified that this ambition is not an obsession and that scoring his 1000th goal with the national team would be a crowning achievement.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner described the appointment of new coach Jorge Jesus as the start of a new era. Ronaldo praised Jesus, stating that the 72-year-old coach, with whom he worked at Saudi club Al-Nassr last year, is the perfect choice to replace the Spaniard Roberto Martinez. Portugal, who won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, will kick off the new edition of the competition by hosting Wales in Lisbon on Thursday.

They will then travel to Oslo to face Norway on October 1, before returning home for a final match against the Norwegians three days later. Jorge Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo, still the national team captain, will be participating in the match against the Welsh. He expressed his hope that Ronaldo scores one or two goals in the game and suggested that he might be substituted off once his impact is felt.