Cristiano Ronaldo explains decision to continue international career with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his Portugal career.

Ronaldo – who turns 42 in February – will win his 234th cap against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus confirming that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid will start the Nations League fixture.

Some commentators have suggested the game at the José Alvalade Stadium – the home of Ronaldo’s first club Sporting – could be his international farewell, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will finish when “I feel like I’m not doing anything here”.

Age seemed to have caught up with Ronaldo this summer during a World Cup when many of the game’s greatest stars shone on its biggest stage, leading to speculation that his international career had run its course.