"The man who put Portugal on the football map" - Tributes pour in as fans react to Cristiano Ronaldo announcing retirement

Fans have been left shocked by Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football. The 41-year-old made the surprise announcement on Thursday through social media.

In an emotional video to his fans, Cristiano Ronaldo said (translated from Portuguese): "Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal.

Portugal will always be in me." Supporters on social media have wasted no time in expressing their feelings about Cristiano Ronaldo deciding to retire from the national team. Some of them were in disbelief, while others thanked the striker for his incredible service to Portugal.

One fan wrote on X: "The man who put Portugal on the football map."

@FabrizioRomano The man who put Portugal on football map The greatest player ever 🇵🇹🐐 Another supporter thanked the 'GOAT' for the memories: "Thank you for all the sweet memories my GOAT" @FabrizioRomano Thank you for all the sweet memories my 🐐 @Fajay345 wrote: "Da*n didn't expect this.

Thanks for everything KING" @wirtzextrasent a message to Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.: "Boy, you gotta lock in. Dad's gone" @MaxwellUtajiposted: "my tears can't stop 😭😭😭😭💔💔!

thank you for all Ronaldo" @Y_bh95claimed: "Ronaldo left and retired because of the lack of appreciation, despite everything he gave" Cristiano Ronaldo brings the curtain down on a 23-year-long career with Portugal. He has 234 caps and a record 146 goals for the national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal career flashback It was back in 2003 that Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal. Still only 18 at the time, the forward burst onto the scene as an emerging talent from Sporting CP.

Soon after his move to Manchester United, the world started to take notice of the Portuguese talent. Ronaldo won the Premier League thrice, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and other domestic cups during his time at Old Trafford.

He also won the 2008 Ballon d'Or before completing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid.