Cristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to â retire from â the Portugal national team in a social media post, bringing to â an end one of the most illustrious international careers in the history of football.
The 41-year-old â said on Thursday he would âÂÂhand back the number 7 shirtâ after the November international break.
Ronaldo captained the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 âÂÂand helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.
âÂÂIt was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart,â said Ronaldo.
âÂÂIf â I ever made you happy, â if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud of our country, â then it was all worth it.âÂÂ
Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese â people and the teammates, coaches â and staff he worked with over his 23-year career with national team.
âÂÂPortugal will always be a part of me,â âÂÂhe captioned the announcement video.
Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals. âÂÂHe âÂÂholds the all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.
He fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus last month after he refused to use him in a Nations League match. Ronaldo immediately left the team camp.
More to follow.