Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal National Team After 23 Years
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team, concluding a remarkable 23-year international career.
NEW DELHI, Nov 6: Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his retirement from the Portugal national football team. The 41-year-old made the announcement on social media, marking the end of an illustrious 23-year international career.
Ronaldo, who has been a key player for Portugal since his debut in 2003, stated, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team.” He emphasized that the decision was not easily made, indicating a strong emotional component.
During his time with the national team, Ronaldo earned 234 caps and scored a record 146 goals. He led Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and secured victories in the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. His final appearance was on September 24, 2023, in a Nations League match against Wales.
The announcement comes after a turbulent period that included his departure from the national team’s training camp in September, following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus over playing time. Ronaldo’s decision was met with a fine and a suspension, which he later described as a challenging moment.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his journey, saying, “There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember.” He acknowledged his pride in representing Portugal and thanked his family, teammates, and supporters.
The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) expressed its deep gratitude for Ronaldo’s contributions, stating it intends to organize a tribute to honor his remarkable career. They described him as an inspirational figure for many young footballers in Portugal.
As he transitions away from international play, Ronaldo plans to continue his club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he is currently pursuing his 1,000th career goal, having scored 985 to date.
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