Ronaldo Targets 1,000 Goals as Portugal Career Continues

Ronaldo Defiant Over Portugal Future

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will continue his international career with Portugal, revealing he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to extend his time with the national team. The 41-year-old forward, who plays his club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is now targeting 1,000 career goals for club and country.

According to reports, Ronaldo has scored 979 goals across his career and sits just 21 goals shy of the milestone. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said it would be "beautiful" to score his 1,000th goal in a Portugal shirt.

Ronaldo is set to 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 forward will start the Nations League fixture. The match will be played at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, the home of Ronaldo's first club, Sporting.

Some commentators have suggested the game could be his international farewell, but Ronaldo dismissed that notion, stating he will finish when "I feel like I'm not doing anything here".

Reflecting on the World Cup and Critics

Age appeared 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. Portugal exited the tournament to Spain in the last 16.

Asked if he considered walking away from international duty after the World Cup, Ronaldo replied: "Yes, I did. Of course, I'm always thinking on my decisions, my future, the present also. I'm a thinker. You have to think. This is why you see me here now. It means I will continue."

He added: "I had a conversation with our president [Pedro Proenca], with our coach. I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want. I think I can give the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football."

Ronaldo also addressed his critics, saying they have tried to "kill" him, but he remains determined to carry on. He stated: "The Portuguese count on me. That's why I'm still here ... Just look at the numbers."

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus launched a passionate defence of the 41-year-old, further underlining the forward's importance to the squad as they prepare for the Nations League clash with Wales.

Chelsea Edge Austria Wien in Women's Champions League

In other action, Chelsea Women began their Women's Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Austria Wien Women at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Wieke Kaptein scored a spectacular goal early on to prove the difference. Sandy Baltimore's run was ended by a well-timed sliding tackle and the ball spun loose. Collecting it 25 yards from goal, Kaptein took a touch before hammering it in off the bar.

However, Chelsea were handed a potential blow when Keira Walsh was forced off injured after 20 minutes, ahead of Sunday's WSL game at home to Arsenal, which is live on Sky Sports.

The home side lived dangerously when goalkeeper Livia Peng fumbled a shot from a short corner routine, palming the ball back out into danger from where Virginia Kirchberger hoisted it over the bar. Austria Wien almost produced a sublime equaliser when Louise Schoffel danced her way through Chelsea's defence and hit a low shot that flashed inches wide of the post.

Chelsea's Sjoeke Nusken should have settled the match and her manager's nerves with a free hit 10 yards out that she wastefully thumped in, but the miss did not prove costly as the Blues held on for the victory.

What's Next

Ronaldo and Portugal will face Wales in the Nations League on Thursday, with all eyes on whether the veteran can edge closer to his 1,000-goal target. Meanwhile, Chelsea will assess Keira Walsh's injury ahead of their crucial WSL encounter with Arsenal on Sunday.

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