Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is not considering hanging up his boots from the international career, as the Portuguese forward feels he is more motivated than ever to continue.
Ronaldo, 36, continues to defy his age by racking up some consistent performances for both club and country.
His recent heroics against Atalanta in the Champions League – scoring a late winner – helped the Red Devils complete an epic comeback.
When asked if he would consider quitting the Portugal national team, Ronaldo replied (h/t Mirror): “But why? I think it’s not my time yet,” Ronaldo told Sky Sports when asked if he is considering retiring from international duty.
“It’s not what people want, it’s what I want. It’s when I feel that I’m not capable to run, to dribble, to shoot, if the power is gone… but I still have that stuff so I want to continue because I’m still motivated.”
“It’s the main word – [motivated] to do my stuff, to make people happy and my family happy and the fans and myself. I want to put the level even higher.”
Ronaldo responds to Chiellini’s comments
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini had previously taken a swipe at Ronaldo for leaving Turin in the final week of the transfer window.
The veteran centre-back claimed that Juve wouldn’t have lost a few games at the start of the season if the Portuguese had left a little earlier.
Chiellini said: “Ronaldo left on August 28 and it certainly would’ve been better if he had gone earlier so we could prepare. Unfortunately, we paid a price for that.
“It does create a shock to the system and we lost points in the opening games because of that.
“If he’d left on August 1, then we would’ve had time to reorganise and be ready for the start of the season.”
However, Ronaldo has given a fitting reply to Chiellini’s comments, stating he is not concerned with what others say about him.
The former Real Madrid star said (h/t Mirror): “To be honest, I’m 36. I win everything, so am I going to be worried about the people who say bad things about me?
“I sleep good at night. I go to my bed with my conscience very good. Keep going with that because I will still close mouths and win things.”
