The superstar has been named in Portugal's squad for the team's Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Scotland and says that the disappointment of Euro 2024 - where he ended up goalless as the team were eliminated in the quarter-finals - has only added to his "motivation" to continue representing his country.

Ronaldo told reporters: "That's all from the press. It never crossed my mind that my cycle [with Portugal] had come to an end. Quite the opposite: it gave me even more motivation to continue to be honest.

"The motivation is to come to the national team to win the Nations League. ... We've already won it once and we want to do it again. I might say the same thing over and over again, but I don't think long term, it's always short term."

Ronaldo expects to remain in the Portugal starting XI and declared that he will be the "first" to acknowledge when he is no longer beneficial to the team.

The Al-Nassr forward said: "Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter.

"What I feel at the moment, and the coach's [Roberto Martinez] words also demonstrate this, is that I continue to be an asset to the national team, and I will be the first [to admit it] if that isn't the case.

"When I'm [no longer] an asset I will be the first to leave. But I will go with a clear conscience, as always, because I know who I am, what I can do, what I do and what I will continue to do."

Ronaldo was criticised at Euro 2024 as many felt his presence was holding Portugal back but he has little interest in opinions from those who aren't involved in top-level football.

He said: "The people who give their opinions have never been in a locker room, and I often laugh because it's the same thing as me talking about Formula One.

"How can I give my opinion on Formula One if I don't know anything about tires, rims or the weight of the car. ... It's normal and that's why for me criticism is good and part of it, it's no problem at all."