{
  "id": 9384141,
  "title": "I’ll leave Portugal team if I’m no longer wanted — Ronaldo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ill-leave-portugal-team-if-im-no-longer-wanted-ronaldo-9384141",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T18:08:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ill-leave-portugal-team-if-im-no-longer-wanted-ronaldo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old captain of the Portugal national team, has made it clear that his continued involvement with his country depends solely on whether they still rely on him. Speaking ahead of Portugal's opening fixture in the UEFA Nations League against Wales, Ronaldo stated, \"If Portugal no longer want to rely on me, I can leave from today. I have no problem with that.\" He further added that he would personally take the initiative to inform the federation or even the president if they no longer value his contribution to the team. Despite placing the decision in the hands of the Portuguese authorities, Ronaldo emphasized that the trust between him and his country remains intact. He expressed his willingness to continue representing Portugal as long as they rely on him, and vice versa. Ronaldo revealed that he had seriously considered retiring from international football following Portugal's round-of-16 elimination in the 2026 World Cup. However, conversations with the Portuguese Football Federation president and new head coach persuaded him to stay on. The veteran forward, who has 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, remains motivated by the support of the Portuguese people and his ongoing impact on the pitch. Ronaldo aims to reach 1,000 career goals for club and country and help Portugal secure another Nations League title under new head coach Jorge Jesus. Portugal faces Wales in their opening Nations League match, with Ronaldo confirmed to start, regardless of whether he plays in the game.",
  "summary": "Cristiano Ronaldo says he is prepared to leave the Portugal national team immediately if the country, federation, or president no longer want to rely on hi Read More: https://punchng.com/ill-leave-portugal-team-if-im-no-longer-wanted-ronaldo/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Ronaldo eyes 1,000-goal 'icing on the cake' as Portugal begin new era",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ronaldo-eyes-1-000-goal-icing-on-the-cake-as-portugal-begin-new-era",
        "published": "2026-09-23T16:18:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "I’ll leave Portugal team if I’m no longer wanted — Ronaldo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ill-leave-portugal-team-if-im-no-longer-wanted-ronaldo",
        "published": "2026-09-23T17:54:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}