Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team, bringing an end to a 23 year era in international soccer. The decision marks a significant milestone for the 41 year old striker, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Ronaldo will turn 42 next year, and his departure follows a similar path taken by his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who retired from the Argentine national team last month.
The announcement comes on the heels of a turbulent period for the star. Last month, Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp aboard his private jet after a disagreement with the coach. He subsequently issued an open letter to fans and teammates, explaining his rationale without explicitly naming the manager. Although the Portuguese federation suspended the player for 30 days, he remained eligible to be called up for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales.
Ronaldo shared a video message on social media to communicate his decision to the public. In the clip, he described the moment as the time to hand back the number seven shirt, which he noted always belonged to the people of Portugal. He reflected on the privilege and responsibility of wearing the kit for two decades, taking it to stadiums around the globe. He admitted that the decision was not easy, as it was made with both his head and his heart.
His final major tournament was the World Cup held this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was his sixth and final appearance at the global competition. During that tournament, Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the round of 16. Over his entire career with the national team, Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 games. His achievements include winning Euro 2016 and two editions of the UEFA Nations League.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo recalled that his journey began in August 2003 and changed his life forever. He stated that when looking back, he sees more than just matches, goals, records, or trophies. He emphasized that he sees the people, including immigrants who felt a closer connection to Portugal during matches and millions of fans who have been part of his life even if they have never met him in person.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner explained that football is about the people. He said he always tried to push his limits, wanting to win and make history. He acknowledged that he has always been hard on himself and believed the team could go further. He gave everything he had for the shirt, experiencing both unforgettable victories and difficult defeats.
Ronaldo admitted that he also failed and suffered, with moments when he could not provide what the Portuguese people wanted. Despite these challenges, he never gave up and always felt proud to represent his country. He noted that goals, trophies, and records are temporary, but the place a player holds in people's hearts is permanent.
He concluded by saying that if his goals ever made fans happy or proud, then it was all worth it. He highlighted the spirit of being Portuguese, where the nation suffers and rises together. He emphasized that no captain walks alone and that the fans are part of his story. He ended by stating that Portugal needs young people who dream and believe in reaching new heights, as a country that creates new heroes never stops believing in itself.
