Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not take the field for the Portuguese national team after the November international break.
This marks the end of his twenty-three-year colourful chapter in the national team’s jersey. The Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nasr, has decided to continue football despite saying goodbye to international football.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo announced his retirement in a video message posted on social media on Thursday (November 5th). He said he would return Portugal’s number seven jersey after the international break in November.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Ronaldo said. Because, some decisions can not only be taken with conscience, but with the heart.”
Expressing gratitude to the long-time fans, the Portuguese star said that if he has ever been a source of joy for his supporters, if anyone is proud of his country in celebrating his goal, then his achievements are worthwhile.
Ronaldo also thanked the family, supporters, teammates, coaches and officials of the team who have been on the long journey for the national team. “Portugal will always be my part,” he wrote in the video captioned the bye-bearing message.
Ronaldo made his international debut for the Portuguese national team in 2003. He has given many memorable moments in the country’s jersey for more than two decades. He scored 146 goals in 234 matches for the national team. He has the highest number of international matches and the record for the highest number of goals.
Portugal won the European Championship for the first time in 2016 under the leadership of Ronaldo. The team also won the UEFA Nations League title in 2019. He was one of the most important parts in the history of football.
Ronaldo’s departure from international football is coming to an end to a long chapter in world football. His goals, records, leadership and titles for the national team will be crucial in the history of Portuguese football. However, fans will have the opportunity to see him on the field for a few more days in club football.