Ronaldo not giving up as he reveals his two objectives: “I’ll leave when they no longer want me!” — 1,000 goals and…

Many thought Cristiano Ronaldo’s chapter with the Portugal national team had ended after his sixth World Cup appearance.

But the Portuguese star still has energy to give and remains the central figure of the new-look side led by Jorge Jesus.

The new Portuguese coach, who worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr last season — where they won the Saudi championship together — has taken charge of a Portugal side aiming to defend its Nations League success, a trophy Ronaldo has lifted twice.

On the eve of the first match against Wales, Ronaldo spoke at the press conference and, as usual, left no topic untouched.

“I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to so many people. My objective is twofold: the 1,000th goal and winning the Nations League. It’s a new era and we should congratulate the work done by the national team coach, despite all the criticism he has received,” Ronaldo said.

Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke about the arrival of Jorge Jesus on the Portugal bench, calling it the right choice.

“For me it was the perfect choice. He brings a different atmosphere, different ideas and a different language. As the coach himself said, many players have worked with him before, which makes things easier. Tomorrow we have a difficult match,” the Portuguese captain said.

He also answered critics calling for his departure from the national team.

“I can’t be completely honest, I have to be politically correct. What I usually say is that I’ve always been very well received, but this was one of the years when I felt the most love. I understand that some media try to hit me, but only with a rifle. Even so, I dodge the bullets,” Ronaldo said.

This season marks the start of Ronaldo’s 25th year as a professional footballer. He stressed that after the age of 30 he has learned to live more in the present.

The striker reiterated that this could be his last season, but added he will announce the decision when the time is right.

“It’s very possible that this will be my last year, but I’ll say so when the time comes,” he said.

Ronaldo stressed that managing his physical load is important at this stage of his career and guaranteed he will not play every full match.

However, he has made himself available to coach Jorge Jesus.

“I think I come to the national team because I make the difference at my club. I am at the coach’s disposal for whatever he needs, whether to play, to come off the bench or not to play at all. I know the coach counts on me and I’m not here because of my CV, but because of what I do at the club,” Ronaldo said.

The match against Wales will have special meaning for Ronaldo, as he returns to the “Alvalade” stadium, where his professional football journey began.

“It’s special because that’s where I started playing football. To return to where I began is very beautiful. After so many years of stepping onto the pitch, I still feel as if it’s the first time,” he said.

Ronaldo continues the race to reach the historic mark of 1,000 career goals, but stressed this is not an obsession.

He also admitted he had thought about retiring after the World Cup, but decided to continue.

“I always think about my decisions. But I chose to continue. I spoke with the president and the coach, and they count on me,” Cristiano Ronaldo concluded.