Cristiano Ronaldo to retire from Portugal duty after 234 caps and 146 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he intends to retire from international football with Portugal after the November international break. The 41-year-old forward said in a social media video message that he would “hand back the No 7 shirt”, bringing an end to a 23-year international career in which he became the most prolific player in men’s international football.
Ronaldo has represented Portugal 234 times and scored 146 goals, both all-time records for men’s national teams. His announcement follows a period in which he had been suspended by the national side, although no further details about that suspension are given here. Ronaldo said the shirt had never felt as though it belonged to him alone, describing his 23 years wearing it as both a privilege and a responsibility. He also reflected on defending Portugal’s colours in stadiums around the world, underlining the significance of his departure for a team and country with which he has been associated for more than two decades.
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