Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a Portugal career that began in August 2003 and lasted 23 years. The 41-year-old forward leaves the national team as the world-record holder for both international goals and appearances, with 146 goals in 234 caps.
Ronaldo’s decision follows his departure from Portugal’s camp last month after he was told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark. In an Instagram video, he said he was giving back the number seven shirt, explaining that it had never belonged to him alone but had represented a privilege and responsibility he carried into stadiums around the world.
He acknowledged that the choice was difficult, saying it was made not only with his mind but also with his heart. Ronaldo described his international journey as one that changed his life forever and said the time had come to pass the shirt on to the next generation.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔