Portugal’s football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career with the national team to a close.
The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Thursday through an emotional video shared on his social media accounts, confirming that he would no longer represent Portugal at international level.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility and honour of wearing Portugal’s famous number seven jersey for more than two decades.
He described the decision as an emotional one, explaining that the time had come to hand the shirt over to the next generation of Portuguese footballers.
Ronaldo’s announcement brings an end to an international journey that began in August 2003. Over the years, he became one of the most influential players in the country’s football history, establishing records for goals and appearances.
During his time with Portugal, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar played a central role in the country’s historic Euro 2016 triumph in France. He also helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, further cementing his legacy in international football.
The announcement comes following reported tensions between Ronaldo and Portugal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, during the previous international break.
Reports indicate that the disagreement intensified after Ronaldo was left on the bench during a UEFA Nations League fixture. The situation reportedly led to his departure from the national team’s camp.
Despite the controversy surrounding his final days with the national team, Ronaldo leaves behind an extraordinary record that will be difficult for future generations to match.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Portuguese football and closes one of the most remarkable international careers in the modern game.
Portugal may be preparing for life without its legendary number seven, but Ronaldo’s contribution to the country’s football history will remain unforgettable.
