Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo has released a message on social media to confirm his decision to step down from international football after a record-breaking career.
The 41-year-old forward has scored 146 goals in 234 caps for his country, which both represent records in men's international football.
His decision to retire from international football comes after he walked out of the Portugal camp last month, having been being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark.
Jorge Jesus had suggested there would be a route back for Ronaldo, but the Al-Nassr forward has instead opted to call time on his Portugal career.
"Today the time has come to pass it on to the future": Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football
"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in an Instagram video
"I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and 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 and end."
Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003, with his international career spanning more than two decades. He captained Portugal to their first-ever major tournament success at the 2016 European Championship and twice won the UEFA Nations League. He also represented Portugal at a record six World Cup tournaments.
