Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football. Portugal record Ronaldo's announcement brings to an end a glittering 23-year career for his country.

During this period, he plundered an incredible 146 goals while making 234 appearances. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner led Portugal to Euro 2016 triumph as well as two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

His World Cup fortunes have been less kind, however, with Portugal exiting in the round of 16 at the most recent tournament, beaten by eventual champions Spain. Ronaldo's retirement comes in the wake of a public bust-up with head coach Jorge Jesus, havingwalked away from the national set-upafter being repeatedly overlooked.

He posted a video on social media, expressing his pride at representing Portugal for more than two decades. Ronaldo's statement The 41-year-old said, "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team.

I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums." "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 an end.

When I look back at everything I achieved with the national team I don't just see matches, goals, records or trophies."

"I see Portuguese people living abroad who, for ninety minutes, felt a little closer to home.

I see millions of Portuguese people I have never met, but who became part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is so much bigger than a game.

Throughout my entire career with the national team I always pushed myself beyond limits."