Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to set a date for his international retirement ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade on Thursday.

The 41-year-old considered ending his Portugal career after the 2026 World Cup but decided to continue after speaking with the Portuguese Football Federation president and new head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo said he still believes he can help the national team and will retire when he feels he is no longer making a meaningful contribution.

“I’m always thinking about my decisions, my future, the present also,” Ronaldo said. “I’m a thinker. You have to think. This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue.”

He added: “I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.”

Ronaldo will captain Portugal against Wales and is expected to make his 234th international appearance. He currently holds the men’s world records for international appearances and goals, with 233 caps and 146 goals.

The match has been portrayed by some commentators as a possible farewell because it will be played at Sporting’s José Alvalade Stadium, where Ronaldo began his senior career. However, he has given no indication that he views the fixture as his final appearance for Portugal.

Ronaldo has also set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals. He currently has 979, leaving him 21 short of the landmark, and said he wants to pursue that target while helping Portugal defend its Nations League title.

Portugal’s Group A4 campaign begins against Wales on September 24, followed by matches against Norway, Denmark and Norway again during the extended international window.