Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team after 23 years, ending an international career that yielded 146 goals in 234 appearances, a European Championship title in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League trophies.
Rift with coach Jorge Jesus
The decision follows a reported rift with head coach Jorge Jesus. Last month Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp aboard his private jet after a disagreement with the coach, later publishing an open letter apologizing to fans and teammates without mentioning the manager. The Portuguese federation suspended him for 30 days, though he remained eligible for upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales.
Video message and reflections
In a video posted on social media, Ronaldo said: "To the Portuguese people, the day has come to hand back the number seven shirt of the national team that belongs to us all. I never felt it was exclusively mine. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and taking it with me to stadiums all over the world. Today the time has come to hand it over to the future."
He reflected on his journey: "A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever is coming to an end. When I look back and think of everything I've experienced with the national team, I don't just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people."
Final World Cup appearance
Ronaldo played his sixth and final World Cup this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner follows his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who retired from the Argentine national team last month.
