‘The moment has come to pass it on to the future’ – Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal.

The long-serving captain confirmed his decision in an emotional message to the Portuguese people, saying the time had come to “hand back the shirt and the captain’s armband”.

“The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain’s armband of the national team that belongs to all of us,” he said.

“I never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world.

“Today, the moment has come to pass it on to the future.

“It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the head alone. They are also made with the heart,” he said.

“When I look back and think about everything I experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records, or trophies. I see people.”

The forward reflected on the connection he built with Portugal supporters across the world and said that representing his country had always meant more than individual achievements.

“I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history,” Ronaldo said.

“I always believed we could go further, and I gave everything I had for this shirt.”

He also acknowledged the difficult moments, including defeats and occasions when he felt he had fallen short of expectations.

“But I never gave up,” he added.

“And above all, I never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.”

Ronaldo signed off by looking to the next generation, saying Portugal must continue producing players capable of dreaming big.

“Portugal will always need young people who dream, players who never give up, and new generations who believe it is possible to reach places no one has reached before,” he said.

“There is only one passion: Portugal.”