Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, bringing his 23-year Portugal career to an end at the age of 41.
The Portugal captain leaves the national team after scoring a record 146 goals in 243 appearances. He confirmed the decision on social media on Thursday morning, writing: “Portugal will always be in me.”
Ronaldo’s announcement follows a reported fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus during the previous international break.
In a statement, Ronaldo said: “Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal.
“The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people’s hearts.
“I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.”
He thanked his team-mates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters around the world, while reflecting on the sacrifices, victories and defeats of his international career.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever.”
