Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal international football
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on social media on Thursday that he is retiring from international football with Portugal. The 41-year-old made the declaration via his social channels.
Ronaldo’s Portugal career stretched for more than two decades and he is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. He has been a central figure in Portugal squads across multiple tournaments and major international competitions.
The decision follows a turbulent September in which Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s next game, departed the national team camp early after a war of words with head coach Jorge Jesus, and faced disciplinary sanctions. He was fined €255 (£215; $286) and banned for 30 days. In a separate, 1,740-word message he apologised to his teammates and wrote that he would not be retiring.
Announcing his retirement, Ronaldo wrote: “The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” and continued: “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.” 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.”
He also reflected on his time with Portugal in the same message: “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. 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. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people.” Portugal estará sempre em mim pic.twitter.com/dnFj51rxmh
Cristiano Ronaldo has made more international appearances (234) and scored more international goals (146) than any other men’s footballer. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and won two Nations League championships and the European Championship in 2016.
His final appearance came in September, when he played his 234th and final match for Portugal in a 1-0 UEFA Nations League win over Wales, leaving international football with 234 caps and 146 goals for his country.