Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement statement in full: Portugal star bids farewell to international football

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward was an unused substitute as Portugal beat Norway in the Nations League back in September and subsequently chose to withdraw from the team's camp for the upcoming October fixtures. Ahead of November's squad announcement, Ronaldo has released a five-minute video message, mainly aimed towards Portuguese football supporters, announcing his decision to retire from the international game.

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.

I am bringing to an end a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever. 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 immigrants who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to Portugal. I see millions of Portuguese people whom I never met personally, but who became part of my life.

Because, at the end of the day, football is much bigger than a game. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history.

I was always demanding of myself. I always believed we could go further, 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. There were moments when I couldn't give the Portuguese people what they wanted so badly."