Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement from International Football
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has officially announced his retirement from international football, concluding a remarkable 23-year career with the Portugal national team. During his tenure, Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 matches, earning the title of international football’s all-time top scorer.
In a heartfelt video message, Ronaldo expressed his emotions about stepping away from the national team. “The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “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.”
Ronaldo reflected on his journey, stating, “It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart. 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. I see people.”
He acknowledged the impact of his career on Portuguese fans worldwide, saying, “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.”
Ronaldo’s retirement follows a period of controversy in which he left the Portugal camp during an international break last month. He had voiced dissatisfaction with new manager Jorge Jesus after being kept as an unused substitute in a match against Norway. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently suspended Ronaldo for 30 days and imposed a fine of €255 (£214.88), though manager Jesus remained open to his return.
With this announcement, Ronaldo steps away from international duty, a month after his greatest rival, Lionel Messi, played his last match for Argentina.
