Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team

Cristiano Ronaldo said on Thursday that he is retiring from Portugal’s national team, ending a 23-year international career in one of the country’s most high-profile sporting departures. The announcement matters well beyond football in Portugal, where Ronaldo has long been one of the country’s most visible international figures.

In a video posted on social media, the 41-year-old said it was time to “return the number 7 shirt” and “hand it over to the future.” Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, said the decision had not been easy and described it as one made “with the heart” as well as the head.

Ronaldo leaves the national side after helping Portugal win Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles. According to the material provided, he scored 146 goals for Portugal and is the top scorer in the history of men’s international football.

The Portuguese Football Federation thanked its “eternal captain” in a statement and said it plans to organise a final tribute before his farewell. The federation said Ronaldo’s career for Portugal had been “absolutely extraordinary” and praised his role as a leader and symbol of the national team.

Originally published at Eco.pt