Cristiano Ronaldo sets ambitious Portugal national team targets ahead of ‘new era’

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is well and truly on the back nine of his storied career, with the 41-year-old preparing to make his 234th appearance for the Portuguese national team .

With his sixth and final FIFA World Cup now behind him, and with Portugal having failed to make it past the Round of 16, where they lost to eventual champions Spain , Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo has been called up once more by new national team boss Jorge Jesus.

A coach Ronaldo is well acquainted with, with Jesus having guided Al-Nassr to the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend's first Saudi Pro League title last season, he is confident that both he and the team can achieve big things under the leadership of the 72-year-old.

"My objective is twofold: goal number 1000 and winning the [UEFA] Nations League," Ronaldo declared ahead of their first of four games this international window, stating that they are entering "a new era," as per Marca .

He went on to add that Jesus "was a perfect choice" to replace Roberto Martínez as head coach following the World Cup, explaining, "He brings a different atmosphere, different ideas and a different language. As the coach said, many have already worked with him, which makes things easier."

Ronaldo also addressed his critics who believe it's time for him to close the chapter on his national team career, commenting, "I can't be completely honest... I have to be politically correct. Something I usually say is that I have always been very well received, but this was one of the years in which I felt the most affection. I understand that there are some media outlets trying to kill me, but only with a shotgun. And even so, I dodge the bullet."

Despite his critics, Ronaldo remains as confident in himself and his abilities as ever, stating, "I believe I make it to the national team because I make the difference at my club.

"I'm available for whatever the coach needs, whether that's to play, come on as a substitute, or not play... I know the coach is counting on me, and I'm not here because of my résumé, but because of what I do at my club."

To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

So far this season, having worked his way slowly back into the Al-Nassr lineup after an extended summer break, Ronaldo has found the back of the net three times in seven games under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Entering the international window, the defending champions sit third in the league standings with 16 points after seven games, two points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Having turned 41 in February, exactly how much longer Ronaldo intends to play remains up in the air, commenting that he is simply 'living in the moment' and that "it is very possible that this will be his last year."

As for his national team career, Ronaldo stated that "when I feel that I'm not doing anything, I'll pack my bags. I only think about the present... I know many people want me to leave now, but my motivation comes from the people who still want to see me."

Currently chasing his 1,000th career goal, and the 147th of his national team career, Ronaldo's next opportunity to close the gap on this ambitious target will come on Thursday when they host Wales in the Nations League - looking to kick off their title defense in fashion at Estádio José Alvalade.

This will be followed by a trip to take on Norway on Sunday, before they continue their road trip in Denmark on October 1. Finally, they'll close out this window back on home soil against Norway on October 4.