Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal that included a European Championship title and a record 146 goals.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday in a statement shared on social media.
“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
His final appearance for Portugal was a 1-0 victory over Wales in September, his 234th international match.
Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp early after being named as an unused substitute for the team’s next game.
The decision earned him a €255 fine and a 30-day suspension.
In a 1,740-word statement at the time, the forward explained his actions, apologised to his teammates and insisted he had no plans to retire from international football.
A Journey That Changed Everything
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in August 2003.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he said.
“When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.”
“I see people. I see the Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home.”
He holds the records for the most international appearances (234) and goals (146) by a male footballer representing his country.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner led Portugal to victory at the 2016 European Championship, as well as two UEFA Nations League titles.
“It was not an easy decision,” Ronaldo said.
“Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future.”
