Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Shock International Retirement

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his remarkable 23-year career with the national team to an end. The 41-year-old confirmed his decision in a video posted on social media on Thursday.

Ronaldo said the time had come for him to hand back Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt, adding that some decisions were not made with the mind. His announcement followed reports of a fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus during the previous international break.

The Al-Nassr forward reportedly left the national team camp after being named an unused substitute in a UEFA Nations League encounter. The incident eventually led to disciplinary action by the Portuguese Football Federation.

Ronaldo retires from international football with 234 appearances and a record 146 goals for Portugal. He also helped the country win the 2016 European Championship and three UEFA Nations League titles.

Despite ending his international career, Ronaldo is expected to continue playing for Al-Nassr, where he still has ambitions to achieve more success at club level.