Cristiano Ronaldo says he can still help Portugal and is targeting 1,000 goals under Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo said Wednesday, at the Portuguese Football Summit in Oeiras, that he intends to continue with the Portugal national team and still has an important role to play, ahead of the Nations League match against Wales.

The Portuguese forward, who has scored 979 goals in his career, including 146 for the national team, needs 21 more goals to reach the 1,000-goal milestone. Ronaldo said he wants both to reach this record and to win the Nations League with Portugal. He described reaching 1,000 goals as “the icing on the cake,” but said he is not obsessed with the target.

The comments come after a change of manager. Jorge Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez following Portugal’s elimination by Spain in the round of 16 at the World Cup in North America. Ronaldo acknowledged that he had thought about his international future, but discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation and the new coach convinced him to continue.

The footballer said he will leave when he is no longer able to contribute on the pitch or when he is no longer wanted. Regarding retirement, he said it is possible and even likely, without indicating a precise timeframe.