Cristiano Ronaldo has officially retired from international football after a record-breaking 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old made the announcement on Thursday in a video message posted on his social media accounts. In the video, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to fans and teammates, stating that he had the privilege of wearing the national team’s number 7 shirt for two decades.
Ronaldo, who scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, cited a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus as the reason for his decision. The conflict reportedly led to his departure from the team, marking the end of his international career. Despite his long tenure, Ronaldo has not played a farewell match for Portugal, as he has refused to participate in a final game.
This decision comes after years of dominance for Portugal, including key moments in major tournaments. Ronaldo’s retirement ends a legacy that includes being the country’s all-time top scorer and a key figure in the national team’s success. His exit from international football signals the close of an era for Portuguese football, with many fans expressing their admiration for his contributions over the years.
Ronaldo’s career with Portugal began in 2003 and saw him become a symbol of national pride. His performances in major tournaments, including the 2016 European Championship, solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the country’s history. The fallout with Jorge Jesus, however, has led to the end of his international journey, leaving fans to reflect on his achievements and the challenges he faced during his time with the team.
