Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the Portugal national team. The 41-year-old forward opted to step away following a major dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus during the recent international window.
Dispute Led to Decision
The conflict arose after Ronaldo was left on the bench during a match against Norway. He subsequently left the national squad in Copenhagen prior to a Nations League fixture against Denmark. As a result of his departure, the Portuguese Football Federation issued Ronaldo a 30-day suspension alongside a fine of €255 (£215; $286).
Although conciliatory talks were expected to resolve the disagreement ahead of upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Wales, the veteran forward chose to step down permanently. Ronaldo confirmed his departure in a statement released on Instagram, reflecting on his time wearing the national team jersey since his international debut in August 2003.
“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo stated. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Record-Breaking International Career
Ronaldo leaves international football as the all-time record holder for both appearances and goals, having earned 234 caps and scored 146 goals for Portugal. Over his international career, he captained the team to victory at the 2016 European Championship and secured two Nations League titles.
“Throughout my entire career with the national team I always pushed myself beyond my limits,” Ronaldo said in his statement. “I wanted to win, I wanted to be better, I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt.”
His final appearance for the national team took place in September during a match against Wales. Following his departure from the national set-up, Ronaldo will concentrate on his club career with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where he won the league title last season.
