Cristiano Ronaldo says he would like to play just for Portugal and not a club

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that if it were up to him, he would no longer play club football — and would dedicate himself entirely to representing Portugal.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes gala, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward gave an emotional address as he accepted the Prestigio award, honouring his two decades of service to the national team.

“I’ve spent 22 years in the national team — I think that speaks for itself,” former Manchester United star Ronaldo told the audience. “If I could, I would play football only for Portugal. I wouldn’t play for any other club.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on his long and decorated career, insisting his passion for the game remains undiminished despite turning 40 earlier this year.

“I still have the passion for this,” he said. “If I finish tomorrow, I’ll do so with a clear conscience, knowing I gave everything of myself.”

Ronaldo revealed that even his family have tried to convince him to retire, suggesting he has nothing left to prove. But he admitted that stepping away from the game remains unthinkable for now.

“They tell me, ‘You’ve done everything, why do you want to reach a thousand goals?’ But I don’t think that way,” he added. “Ambition is part of who I am.”

The forward, who recently extended his Al-Nassr contract until 2027, was keen to stress that the award was not a farewell gesture.

“This isn’t a retirement prize,” he said. “I see it as recognition for years of effort, dedication, and ambition.”

Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal again this month in their World Cup qualifying campaign, with fixtures against Ireland and Hungary. Having already made over 200 international appearances and scored more than 130 goals, he remains the most-capped and highest-scoring player in men’s international football.

For Ronaldo, the message was clear — his heart belongs to Portugal, and his hunger to keep making history burns as brightly as ever.