The legendary Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the national team, bringing to a close a 23-year career in which he won one European Championship, played in six World Cups, and set the record for the most international goals in the history of men’s soccer.
At age 41, the Portuguese star confirmed his decision in a video message posted on his social media accounts, in which he said the time had come to pass the No. 7 jersey on to the next generation.
“For the Portuguese people, the day has come to return the No. 7 jersey of our national team,” said Ronaldo, who recalled that for 23 years he had the privilege and responsibility of representing his country in stadiums around the world.
The forward acknowledged that it was not an easy decision, as his relationship with Portugal went beyond the realm of sports.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end,” he added in his message.
A Farewell After More Than Two Decades
Cristiano Ronaldo’s history with the Portuguese national team began before the 2004 European Championship and was marked by great moments, including winning the European Championship and a career that made him one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
His last appearance for Portugal was on September 24, when he played in the 1-0 victory over Wales in the Nations League.
His farewell was also marred by disagreements with coach Jorge Jesus. After being benched for the next match and learning that he wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot for the following game, Ronaldo decided to leave the Portuguese national team camp.
Subsequently, the coach stated that the forward would be welcome back and that the decision to return was up to the player himself.
Portugal Prepares a Tribute for CR7
The Portuguese Football Federation reacted to the announcement with a message of gratitude and admiration for everything Ronaldo has meant to the country.
The organization highlighted that the forward raised Portugal’s international profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps.
In addition, it announced that it will organize a special tribute so that fans and the country can once again honor one of the most important soccer players in its history.
Cristiano’s goal remains his 1,000th goal
Although his international career has come to an end, Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing at the club level with Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, the team with which he is expected to conclude his career at the end of this season.
The Portuguese star still has one personal goal left to achieve: reaching 1,000 career goals as a professional. He currently has 985 goals to his credit.
Of that impressive total, 146 came while wearing the Portugal jersey, in a total of 234 matches—numbers that cement his status as the all-time leading international male goalscorer.
Thus ends one of the most extraordinary chapters in international soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo bids farewell to Portugal, but he still has one final goal to achieve.
