Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing a definitive end to his storied career with Portugal. In a poignant Instagram video, the 41-year-old forward stated, “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team.” This decision follows a turbulent final chapter, where Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal camp in September after being benched for a Nations League match against Denmark, an incident that resulted in a £215 fine and a 30-day suspension from the national setup.
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The departure marks the conclusion of a record-breaking tenure that saw Ronaldo amass 234 caps and 146 goals for his country, both standing as world records. Since making his debut in 2003, the forward has been the cornerstone of Portugal’s attack, guiding the nation to their first major international trophy, the 2016 UEFA European Championship. His commitment to the national cause is further underscored by his World Cup legacy, featuring appearances in six tournaments and a tally of 11 goals, cementing his status as one of the most consistent performers in the competition’s history.
Ronaldo’s exit from the international stage shifts the focus entirely to his club career, where he remains a high-profile figure in Saudi Pro League football. By relinquishing the “number seven shirt,” he acknowledges that the jersey “never felt it belonged to me alone,” emphasizing the collective responsibility he carried for 23 years. As Portugal prepares for the next generation of stars, Ronaldo’s retirement serves as a transitional moment, closing a golden era defined by his unparalleled longevity, statistical dominance, and global cultural impact.
Source: BBC
