Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year career with Portugal that yielded 234 appearances, 146 goals and three major titles.
The Al-Nassr forward made the announcement in a video message posted on his social media accounts on Thursday, ahead of Portugal’s squad announcement for the November international break.
Ronaldo, who made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003, said the decision to step away from the national team had not been easy.
“I am ending a journey that began in August 2003, and changed my life forever,” he said in his farewell message.
The 41-year-old’s international honours include the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
He thanked his teammates, coaches, support staff, family and Portuguese fans, saying representing the country had been one of the greatest privileges of his career.
“Today my journey inside the pitch with the national team ends. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I took, and aware that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said.
Ronaldo added that he would continue to support the national team, despite no longer playing for it.
His announcement follows reports of tension with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus after Ronaldo left the squad during the previous international break. The report said he had served a 30-day suspension and paid a fine of €255 over the incident.
The Portugal Football Federation president, Pedro Proença, had reportedly attempted to mediate between the player and the coach, but the efforts did not resolve the dispute.
Ronaldo’s retirement means he will not feature in Portugal’s upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
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