Several major football bodies, such as Manchester United, FIFA, and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), have shared heartfelt tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo after he announced his retirement from international football. These messages celebrated the legendary forward’s remarkable 23-year journey with the Portuguese national team, a period marked by historic records and significant trophy wins.
Cristiano Ronaldo. Source: X| FIFAWorldCup
Football organisations, including Manchester United, FIFA and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), have paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following his announcement of retirement from international football.
The tributes acknowledged the Portuguese forward’s achievements over his 23-year international career, during which he broke records and won major honours with Portugal.
TVC News Online reports that Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward confirmed the decision in a social media post. 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.
Reacting to the news, the PFA described Ronaldo’s international career as iconic, noting that he had captured major trophies and established himself in football history.
“An iconic international career comes to a close,” the association wrote on X, congratulating the former PFA Players’ Player of the Year on his 23 years with Portugal.
Manchester United also congratulated their former player on his international career, wishing him well in retirement.
“Congratulations on an incredible international career. Enjoy your retirement,” the club wrote in a post on X.
FIFA’s official World Cup account also acknowledged the announcement with a brief message: “Thank you, Cristiano.”
Similarly, the global players’ union, FIFPRO, highlighted Ronaldo’s records and achievements, describing his international career as a remarkable chapter in football history.
FIFPRO noted that Ronaldo leaves international football as Portugal’s record goalscorer, a European champion and a 15-time FIFPRO World 11 winner.
“Thank you, Cristiano. For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has consistently produced unforgettable moments, broken records and written his name into football history,” the organisation said.
It congratulated the forward on what it described as an extraordinary 23 years representing Portugal.
What You Should Know
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, is officially ending his 23-year journey playing for the Portuguese national team. At 41, he leaves as a European champion and his country’s highest-ever goalscorer, drawing massive praise from clubs and football unions worldwide.
- Positive Impact: Ronaldo’s retirement cements his legacy as a global sports icon, offering a perfect moment to celebrate a career that includes winning the 2016 European Championship and breaking numerous scoring records.
- Potential Concerns: For fans, his exit marks the end of an era, leaving big shoes to fill in the Portuguese squad and shifting the focus to a new generation of players who must now step up without his veteran leadership.
