The Portugal national team kicks off the new campaign tonight with the UEFA Nations League clash against Wales in Lisbon (21.45).The Navigators start a new campaign, but not a new era, with all their stars still in the squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo.There had been plenty of speculation about his potential international retirement – he even said that the 2026 World Cup would be his last – and yet, he is still there, willing to help Portugal and new head coach Jorge Jesus, with whom he forged a successful partnership at Al-Nassr.Farewell to World Cup, but not Portugal: Ronaldo isn't ready to quitFor now, Ronaldo says he has no idea when he'll call time on his spell with Portugal."I don't know when I'm going to end my career. I'd like to know the answer, but I don't. I learned in my late 30s to live in the moment, so I don't know, but it's very possible that this will be my last year," he said via Noticias ao Minuto.Death, taxes, and Ronaldo's call-up — captain retains his place in the national sideHowever, when the subject turned to the criticism he frequently faces, Cristiano suddenly had much more to say."I've been playing football for so many years and I've been well received almost everywhere. Some channels like to attack me and try to kill me, but they don't stand a chance, only with a shotgun. And even then I dodge the bullet." 🇵🇹🗣 Cristiano Ronaldo:“And I understand, I understand very well. Some channels like to attack me and have been trying to bring me down for several years, but that is never going to happen. I’m like a shotgun myself. Even then, I can dodge the bullet, imagine that.But I’m…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) September 23, 2026 "But I'm used to it. At the Estadio do Dragao I could understand it because of the rivalry… At the Luz, not so much because apparently we can't play there, at least I read that… But half a dozen people not liking me doesn't affect me," he stated, as quoted by A Bola.It's clear that CR7 has his sights firmly set on reaching 1,000 career goals – he is currently 21 goals short – and no criticism can derail him from achieving what he set out to do.Whether people around the world think he has a detrimental effect on Portugal's performances or claim the national team is better off without him – Ronaldo doesn't really care.UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE A Thursday21.45: (2.40) Netherlands (3.60) Germany (2.80)21.45: (1.75) Norway (3.95) Denmark (4.45)21.45: (1.20) Portugal (6.75) Wales (14.0)21.45: (2.75) Serbia (3.25) Greece (2.80)Friday21.45: (2.25) Italy (3.40) Belgium (3.20)21.45: (6.75) Turkey (4.40) France (1.48) UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE B Thursday21.45: (1.42) Austria (5.00) Israel (6.60)21.45: (2.45) Kosovo* (3.15) R.Ireland (3.05) Friday19.00: (1.87) Georgia (3.50) N.Ireland (4.30)21.45: (2.25) Hungary (3.35) Ukraine (3.25)21.45: (1.70) Poland (3.60) B&H (5.30)21.45: (1.50) Sweden (4.40) Romania (6.50)UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE C Friday19.00: (1.75) Armenia (3.50) Latvia (4.50) 21.45: (1.77) Montenegro (3.45) Cyprus (4.40)UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE D Thursday19.00: (3.05) Andorra (2.95) Malta (2.40)21.45: (11.0) Liechtenstein (4.50) Lithuania (1.30)***odds are subject to change***
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