Ronaldo: I Can Leave Portugal If They Don't Want Me

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he would have no problem leaving the Portugal national team immediately if the country no longer wanted to rely on him.

The 41-year-old made the comments on Wednesday, September 23, ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League opener against Wales.

Ronaldo stressed that his international future depends on whether Portugal, the Portuguese Football Federation and the national-team leadership still believe he has a role to play.

“If Portugal no longer want to rely on me, I can leave from today. I have no problem with that,” Ronaldo said.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner added that he would be prepared to take the initiative himself if Portugal's leadership decided his time with the national team was over.

“When they no longer want to rely on me in the national team, I'll be the first to speak to them about it,” he said.

However, Ronaldo made it clear that he does not currently feel unwanted.

“If they rely on me, I rely on them. And the Portuguese people rely on me. That's why I continue playing for the national team,” he added.

Ronaldo had previously indicated that he considered his international future after Portugal's last-16 elimination from the 2026 World Cup. He has nevertheless remained available for the national team and was included in the squad for the September Nations League fixtures.

New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus also confirmed that Ronaldo would start against Wales, provided nothing unexpected happened before the match.

Ronaldo's latest comments therefore do not amount to a retirement announcement. Instead, they underline that he is willing to continue representing Portugal for as long as the country's football authorities and supporters believe he can contribute.