Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement after illustrious career with Portugal
In a major development, Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bidding adieu to his career with Portugal.
In a major development, Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bidding adieu to his career with Portugal.
The all-time leading goalscorer for the Merengues made the announcement through a video on Instagram, with the caption: “Portugal will always be in me.”
Cristiano’s future with Portugal had become a major talking point following his departure from the national team’s camp without permission during the previous international break, following a public disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.
The legendary forward was subsequently handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 for leaving the squad prematurely.
Cristiano had previously acknowledged that he would accept any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation, and he served the disciplinary sanction.
However, the disagreement with Jesus proved difficult to be resolved. Cristiano, in an open letter, had revealed that he felt betrayed by the coach’s public explanations, believing they contradicted the understanding reached between them during a previous meeting.
Despite the disciplinary matter being settled, the relationship between the two had not returned to normal.
Ronaldo had therefore been considering whether to return for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November.
However, rather than returning to the national team, the 40-year-old has decided to bring his Portugal career to an end.
In a long video, Cristiano sent a message to the Portuguese people, stepping away from the national team for good.
“The day has come to return the number 7 shirt of our National Team. I never felt it was exclusively mine. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, of defending it and of taking it with me to stadiums all over the world.”
Continuing, he added: “Today the moment has arrived to hand it over to the future. It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not taken only with the head; they are also taken with the heart.”
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever comes to an end. When I look back and think about everything I experienced with the National Team, I do not see only matches, goals, records or trophies.”
“I see people. I see immigrants who, for ninety minutes, felt Portugal a little closer. I see millions of Portuguese people I never met personally, but who formed part of my life. Because, in the end, football is much bigger than a game. Football is people.”
“Throughout my entire career with the National Team I sought to push beyond my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history. I was always demanding of myself. I always wanted more; I always believed we could go further.”
Reminiscing his journey with the Selecao and the ups and downs, Cristiano noted: “And I gave everything I had for this shirt. There were perfect afternoons and nights; there were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember today."
“I also failed, I also suffered; there were moments when I was not able to give the Portuguese people what they so greatly desired. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped feeling pride in representing Portugal.”