"I go nowhere" - Ronaldo insists he's staying with Portugal despite age

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he's going nowhere following news that he will start on Thursday against Wales. Is his national team career en...

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he's going nowhere following news that he will start on Thursday against Wales. Is his national team career ending anytime soon? (Photo credit: Al Jazeera)

In a sensational development, Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line on Thursday when Portugal takes on Wales in their Nations League clash.

The Al Nassr player, who clocks 42 in February, has 979 career goals, and many believe Thursday's game is a testimonial and the finale of his national team career, but Ronaldo doesn't share the sentiment and hopes to keep going.

Key figures in football punditry have suggested the game at the José Alvalade Stadium, the home of Ronaldo's first club, Sporting, could be his international farewell, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he will finish when "I feel like I'm not doing anything here."

Ronaldo was underwhelming this summer at the World Cup, where many of the game's greatest stars shone brightly on the biggest stage, sparking speculation that his international career had run its course.

Asked if he considered leaving Portugal after the World Cup, Ronaldo said, "Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking about my decisions, my future, and the present. "I'm a thinker. You have to think. This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue.

"I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I'm able to help the national team reach what they want, and I will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here.

"I think I can give my support to the national team, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.

"This team is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games."

Leading Portuguese newspaper A Bola ran a poll prior to the Wales game inviting readers to select their team, and Ronaldo failed to make the starting XI.

"I said it regularly at home with my friends. I've been playing football for so many years; I have been welcome almost everywhere, apart from a few exceptions," Ronaldo said. "I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I do understand that some TV channels want to criticize me—they've tried to kill me, but only with a shotgun.

They want me to stop coming to the national team, but I can still move away from it.

"Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me."

He denied that he is obsessed with reaching 1,000 goals, although he did add that he would love to reach the landmark in Portugal colors.

"I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am retired... in 10 years," he said.

"I'm happy with myself. It doesn't matter if I play tomorrow or if I rest the next game; for me the most important thing is that I feel good."