Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team

Lisbon, Nov 5 (EFE).- Cristiano Ronaldo announced Thursday that he is retiring from Portugal’s national team, ending a 23-year international career in which he became the country’s most celebrated player.

“The day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt to the national team we all belong to,” the 41-year-old forward said in a nearly five-minute video posted on Instagram. “I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it.”

Ronaldo, who began his international career in August 2003, said the decision had not been easy.

“Some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he said. “A journey that began in August 2003 (…) is coming to an end.”

The announcement came after Portugal’s Football Federation disciplinary council handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a 255-euro ($295) fine for leaving the national team’s training camp on Sep. 30.

Ronaldo departed following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus after being left out of the lineup for Portugal’s 2-1 defeat against Norway in Oslo on Sep. 27.

In a statement, the forward said Jesus had asked him to warm up for 30 minutes but ultimately did not send him onto the field.

Despite the disciplinary action, reports had suggested Ronaldo could still be included on the preliminary squad list for Portugal’s upcoming matches.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on his achievements, records and trophies while thanking teammates, supporters and those who had helped him throughout his career.

“I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history,” he said. “I always believed we could go further and gave everything I had for this shirt.”

He also urged younger generations of Portuguese players to believe in their potential and never give up.

“I had the privilege of being your captain, but no captain walks alone, and you are all part of my story,” he said.

Ronaldo added that his connection with Portugal would remain unchanged despite his retirement from international football.

He said his journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end. “I leave with my head held high, proud of the road traveled and knowing I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said. “But I will never stop being one of you.” EFE

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