Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football.
The 41 year old forward confirmed the decision on Thursday in a video posted on social media. He said the day had come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team after 23 years.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said. “I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world. Today the time has come to pass it on to the future.”
He added that it was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart. A journey that began in August 2003 and changed his life forever has come to an end.
Ronaldo ends his international career as the most capped player and the highest goalscorer in the history of men’s football. He earned 234 caps and scored 146 goals for Portugal, both world records. His career with the national side began with a debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003.
He captained Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and led them to victories in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo appeared at six World Cups and six European Championships.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty after Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal training camp during the previous international break. He left after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. He later issued a lengthy statement in which he apologised for his actions and said he remained available for selection, but has now chosen to step away.
In his farewell message Ronaldo reflected on the people who supported him over the years, including Portuguese people living abroad who felt closer to home for 90 minutes and the millions of fans he never met. He said his greatest victory was earning the honour of representing the best country in the world. “Portugal will always be a part of me,” he concluded.
The decision brings to an end one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. Ronaldo will continue his club career with Al Nassr.
By John James
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