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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his immediate retirement from international football, bringing his career with Portugal to an end.
The 41-year-old’s final appearance for his country was a 1-0 victory over Wales in September, which marked his 234th international match.
Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp early after being named as an unused substitute for the team’s next game. The decision earned him a €255 (£215; $286) fine and a 30-day suspension.
In a 1,740-word statement, the forward explained his actions, apologised to his teammates and insisted he had no plans to retire from international football.
However, on Thursday, Ronaldo announced a change of heart, confirming his immediate retirement from Portugal’s national team in a statement shared on social media.
“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.
“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.”
Ronaldo holds the records for the most international appearances (234) and goals (146) by a male footballer representing his country, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the sport.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to lead the country to victory at the 2016 European Championship, as well as two UEFA Nations League titles.
