Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has no intention of retiring from international football, despite acknowledging he deserves to be sanctioned for walking out on his national side. The 41-year-old captain left Portugal’s Nations League camp after remaining an unused substitute during the match against Norway and discovering he would not start the subsequent fixture against Denmark.
Accountability and career record
- Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr, holds the world record for his country with 146 goals in 234 appearances, having helped secure victories at Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
- In a formal statement, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player addressed his conduct, stating: “The Portuguese Football Federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them. I believe the punishment should not be reduced.”
- Reflecting on the incident, he added: “I have already apologised, but I know that actions have consequences.”
Manager Jorge Jesus confirmed on Sunday that the door remains open for the forward to represent Portugal in the future. Ronaldo stated that if he remains physically fit and continues scoring for his club, he intends to continue his international career. “After my suspension period ends, I will be available, as I always have been, to compete and win with our national team,” he concluded.
