LISBON — Cristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from the Portugal national team on Thursday, bringing to an end one of the most illustrious international careers in the history of football.The 41-year-old said he would not play for Portugal anymore after the November international break, ending a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title.Ronaldo captained the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.It was a sad ending to a lauded career that began more than two decades ago before Euro 2004 and finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus.He left the Portugal camp in September after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark.”To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in a long video message on social media.”It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,” said Ronaldo.”If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff he worked with over his 23-year career with the national team.”Portugal will always be a part of me,” he captioned the announcement video.Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He holds the all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.”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.”On Friday Portugal are set to announce their squad for November’s Nations League fixtures – against Denmark at home and Wales away.The Portugal Football Federation said it refuses to “let this farewell take place without due tribute”.A statement read: “It is our firm and immense desire to organise, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much.”Ronaldo’s great rival and Argentina legend Lionel Messi retired from international football in October.
LISBON — Cristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from the Portugal national team on Thursday, bringing to an end one of the most illustrious international careers in the history of football.The 41-year-old said he would not play for Portugal anymore after the November international break, ending a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title.Ronaldo captained the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.It was a sad ending to a lauded career that began more than two decades ago before Euro 2004 and finished with him walking out on the national team after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus.He left the Portugal camp in September after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark.”To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in a long video message on social media.”It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,” said Ronaldo.”If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it.”Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff he worked with over his 23-year career with the national team.”Portugal will always be a part of me,” he captioned the announcement video.Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He holds the all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.”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.”On Friday Portugal are set to announce their squad for November’s Nations League fixtures – against Denmark at home and Wales away.The Portugal Football Federation said it refuses to “let this farewell take place without due tribute”.A statement read: “It is our firm and immense desire to organise, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much.”Ronaldo’s great rival and Argentina legend Lionel Messi retired from international football in October.
