Cristiano Ronaldo has quit international football.
The 41-year-old star announced his retirement on Instagram.
“The day has come for me to hand back the number seven national team shirt. It never felt like that shirt belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility to wear it,” Ronaldo said.
“Now it’s time for me to hand the jersey back to the future. It wasn’t an easy decision. But some decisions are made not just with the brain, but also with the heart.”
The national icon thanked the Portuguese people and everyone he has come into contact with during his time in the national team, including his teammates.
“Thank you for every run, every hug, every discussion, every moment of silence before we stepped onto the field, every victory we celebrated together and every loss that made us stronger,” he said..
“I had the privilege of being your team captain, but no captain walks alone – and you are all part of my story.”
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 international appearances for Portugal after making his debut in 2003.
His greatest achievement with the national team, in addition to his historic number of goals, was winning the European Championship in 2016.
The striker ended a five-minute farewell video with gratitude.
“Thank you for letting me live a dream that started when I was just a little boy in Madeira, running after a ball. The number seven shirt is still there, but the pride of having worn it will always be mine. Portugal will always be a part of me. Forever,” he said.
Ronaldo walked out on the Portugal training camp recently after he was overlooked by the coach.
He was suspended and fined for this.
