Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football with Portugal
(Courtesy : Getty)
The striker last played for the national team in September.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement, bringing an end to a spell spanning more than two decades with the Portugal national team. In September, the 41-year-old played his 234th and final match for his country, a 1-0 win during the UEFA Nations League match against Wales.
After being an unused substitute in the next game, Cristiano Ronaldo departed the Portugal camp early following a war of words with head coach Jorge Jesus.
He was fined €255 (£215; $286) and banned for 30 days. In a 1,740-word message, he apologised to his teammates and explained that he would not be retiring.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo walks out on Portugal: Full timeline of events explained
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from international football
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Despite the earlier assurances, Ronaldo announced his immediate retirement from international competition on social media on Thursday.
“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.”
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart,” he continued.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.
“I see people. I see the Portuguese people living abroad who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met but who became part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game. Football is about people.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, has made more international appearances (234) and scored more international goals (146) than any other men’s footballer.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to win two Nations League championships and the European Championship in 2016.
When did Cristiano Ronaldo play his last game for Portugal?
He played his last game in September against Wales.
How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal?
He has 146 goals for them.
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