{
  "id": 9422587,
  "title": "Ronaldo focusing on ‘present’ ahead of Wales test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ronaldo-focusing-on-present-ahead-of-wales-test",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T21:47:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/09/24/ronaldo-focusing-on-present-ahead-of-wales-test"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lisbon: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's star player, reiterated on Wednesday that he is concentrating on the present, declining to specify a retirement date. The 41-year-old had previously hinted that this season might be his last, leading to numerous inquiries from reporters. Ronaldo emphasized that he is no longer at an age when he thinks about the future, asserting that the present holds the greatest importance. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player stated he is prepared to relinquish his national team position upon the staff's request and hinted at potentially announcing his departure before his final match. Ronaldo also confirmed his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals, having already scored 979 in all competitions, but clarified that it is not an obsessive pursuit. He expressed that scoring his thousandth goal with the national team would be the \"cherry on the cake.\" The five-time Ballon d'Or winner described the new coach, Jorge Jesus, as the ideal choice to succeed Roberto Martinez, with whom Ronaldo had previously worked at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Portugal opens their Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon, followed by matches against Norway and Denmark. Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Ronaldo's participation in the Wales match, expressing hope that he scores goals and will eventually be substituted.",
  "summary": "The 41-year-old declined to set a date for his international retirement, despite earlier suggesting this season would probably be his last.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Ronaldo focusing on ‘present’ ahead of Wales test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ronaldo-focusing-on-present-ahead-of-wales-test-9429307",
        "published": "2026-09-23T21:47:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}