Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year Portugal career to an end.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward confirmed his decision in an emotional message to the Portuguese people, saying he was handing back the number seven shirt he had worn throughout his time with the national team.
“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.”
He added: “Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. 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 my life forever has come to an end.”
Ronaldo’s Portugal record
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in August 2003 and leaves international football with 146 goals in 324 appearances.
He played a central role in Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016, the country’s first major international tournament success.
His retirement follows a recent dispute with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the national team camp after being an unused substitute in a match against Norway.
Despite ending his international career, Ronaldo remains active at club level with Al Nassr and is continuing his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He has scored 985 in total and is still performing in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo will turn 42 in February, with his decision marking the latest stage in the closing years of a playing career that has established him as one of football’s all-time greats.
