In an interview with a Saudi Arabian tourism forum, where he has played for Al Nassr, managed by Jorge Jesus, since January 2023, the captain of the Portuguese national team and teammate of João Félix spoke about the end of his career, but made it clear that it will not be soon.

When asked if the 2026 World Cup will be his last, Ronaldo was categorical: "Yes, definitely. I will be 41 years old and I think it will be the right time. As I was saying, I'm enjoying this moment."

The captain of the Portuguese national team, who has scored 143 goals in 225 appearances, will try to help the team secure their ninth appearance, their seventh consecutive, in the final stages of a World Cup.

However, jokingly, Ronaldo said that the time to hang up his boots "will happen in 10 years".

"That [in 10 years] means 'soon' for me. People think that when I say I'll retire soon, I mean in six months or a year. I'm kidding," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Ronaldo, who represented Portugal in five World Cups, in Germany (2006), South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022), acknowledged that, "when you reach a certain age, you start counting the months quickly".

"In football, I try to enjoy scoring goals. As you know, I'm 40 years old and I try to enjoy the moment and move forward. My body is in good shape, I think. As for my performance with the national team, I score goals and help the team. I want to win titles. That's my life," he declared.

Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the Portuguese national team squad that will play in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, for the fifth and penultimate round of Group F.

A victory in Dublin would guarantee Portugal first place in Group F and direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. A draw could be enough, but only if Hungary doesn't win in Armenia on the same day.

After the match in Dublin, Portugal closes Group F against Armenia at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto on Sunday.

Portugal currently leads Group F with 10 points, five more than Hungary in second place, followed by the Republic of Ireland with four, and Armenia with three.