Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, concluding a historic 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old made the announcement in a heartfelt video posted on his social media accounts. In the video, Ronaldo read a letter to his supporters, expressing gratitude for the journey and the responsibility of wearing the national team’s number 7 shirt.
Ronaldo, who captained Portugal for much of his international career, highlighted the significance of the jersey, stating that it was never just his own. He reflected on the privilege and responsibility of representing his country, emphasizing the emotional weight of the decision. The announcement came after a long career marked by numerous achievements, including a Euro 2016 victory and two UEFA Nations League titles.
Ronaldo’s retirement follows a period of tension with Portugal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus. Reports suggest a falling-out contributed to his decision to step down. Despite this, Ronaldo’s legacy with the national team remains unmatched, with records that solidify his status as one of the greatest players in international football history. His departure marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, leaving a lasting impact on the team and its fans.
