Cristiano Ronaldo said he considered announcing his international retirement after the World Cup but went on to reverse his decision. Ronaldo is all set to make his 234th appearance for Portugal against Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, with head coach Jorge Jesus confirming that the forward will start the Nations League fixture.

Some football pundits feel that the match against Wales could be Ronaldo’s swansong in national colors, but the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star said he will call it a day when he feels he is not doing anything here.

Asked if he considered leaving Portugal after the World Cup, Ronaldo said: “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.

“I had a conversation with our president, with our coach. I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.

“I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.

“This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo failed to make the starting XI for the game against Wales after leading Portuguese newspaper A Bola ran a poll, inviting readers to select their team.

“I said it quite often at home with my friends. I’ve been playing football for so many years, I have been welcome almost everywhere, apart from a few exceptions,” Ronaldo said.

“I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I do understand that some TV channels want to criticise me — they’ve tried to kill me, but only with a shotgun.

“They are dying for me not to come to the national team anymore, but I can still move away from it.

“Anyway, I am used to it. For over 20 years I have been doing this, but my memories are with people who love me.”

Ronaldo has 979 career goals under his belt.