Lisbon: Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday announced his retirement from international football, declaring that he would no longer represent Portugal.
Ronaldo, who has featured in six FIFA World Cups, won the European Championship and holds the record for the most international goals scored by a male player, brought an end to a career spanning more than two decades.
The 41-year-old made the announcement in an extended video message posted on social media.
“Portuguese people, the day has come when I am handing back the No. 7 jersey of my national team,” Ronaldo said.
He said wearing the jersey for 23 years had been both an honour and a responsibility.
“I never believed that this jersey belonged only to me. But I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it for 23 years, preserving its honour and carrying it into stadiums around the world,” he said.
Ronaldo added that it was time to pass the jersey on to the next generation, acknowledging that the decision had not been easy.
“The journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has now come to an end,” he said.
His international career began with Euro 2004, although the circumstances surrounding his retirement were described as disappointing, following reported differences with coach Jorge Jesus.
