Cristiano Ronaldo has brought his international career to an immediate close, declaring that Portugal will remain forever in his heart.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest ever players, the 41-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the men’s record for both international caps (234) and goals (146).
Across a 23-year tenure with the national side following his debut in August 2003, he helped lead Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship as well as securing two Nations League crowns.
The forward’s 234th and last appearance for his country came during September’s 1-0 triumph over Wales. After being left on the bench as an unused substitute in the subsequent match, Ronaldo departed the Portugal squad prematurely.
That departure resulted in a 30-day suspension alongside a fine of €255 (£215; $286). Following that incident, he published a 1,740-word message to clarify his actions, express regret to his team-mates, and affirm that he had no intention of retiring.
Nevertheless, on Thursday, he uploaded a video and statement across his social media channels to confirm his immediate departure from international football.
In his message, he said, “The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone.
“But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
He added, “Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.”
Looking back on his international journey, he said, “A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.”
He continued, “I see people. I see the Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home.
“I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people.”
In his announcement video, the forward explained: “Throughout my entire career with the national team I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be better, I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more.
“I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt.”
He expressed, “There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember.”
He concluded, “I made mistakes. I suffered. There were also moments when I couldn’t give the Portuguese people what they so desperately wanted. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.”
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