Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially called time on his international football career, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 23-year journey with his national team.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed the decision in a social media post on Thursday morning, drawing the curtain on an international career in which he recorded 146 goals in 243 appearances for his country.
Ronaldo, who captained Portugal to the 2016 European Championship title, announced his departure with an emotional message reflecting on his achievements and the significance of representing his country.
“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,” he said.
He added that although football records and trophies could eventually be surpassed or forgotten, the memories and emotional connections created during his career would endure.
“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,” Ronaldo stated.
The announcement comes after reports of a disagreement between the Portugal captain and head coach Jorge Jesus during the previous international break.
Ronaldo reportedly became involved in a disagreement with the coach after being left out of Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, with claims that an earlier assurance to introduce him as a substitute was withdrawn.
Despite the reported disagreement, Ronaldo used his retirement message to express gratitude to those who supported him throughout his international career.
Reflecting on his ambition to become the world’s best footballer, he said representing Portugal had ultimately become his greatest achievement.
“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 said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters around the world for standing by him through the victories, disappointments and sacrifices of his 23-year international journey.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me. Portugal will always be in me. Forever,” he added.
What You Should Know
Cristiano Ronaldo is stepping down from playing for Portugal after 23 years of record-breaking football. At 41 years old, the legendary striker leaves as the highest scorer in international history, having famously captained his side to the European Championship title in 2016.
- Historical Achievement: Ronaldo retires with a staggering 146 goals in 243 appearances, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired millions of football fans worldwide.
- Potential Impact: While his departure marks the end of an era, it opens the door for a younger generation of Portuguese stars to take center stage and define the team’s future identity.
- Underlying Context: The announcement follows rumored tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus, though Ronaldo’s farewell message focused on his deep emotional connection to the fans and his pride in representing his country.
