Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international play, thereby ending a long career with his national team that spanned over two decades, during which he achieved numerous accomplishments and set records in global football.
Media outlets reported today, Thursday, that Ronaldo announced his decision through a video posted on his official account on Instagram, marking the end of his international journey with the Portuguese national team.
Ronaldo leaves the national team as its all-time top scorer and the player with the most international matches, having scored 146 goals in 234 matches, according to media reports.
Throughout his international career, Ronaldo contributed to leading Portugal to win the UEFA European Championship in 2016, as well as winning the UEFA Nations League title in 2019, securing a prominent place in the history of the national team.
In a notable development, the decision comes after a period of uncertainty regarding Ronaldo's international future, as he had previously stated he did not intend to retire, indicating his readiness to continue representing his country as long as he was physically able to play.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo announced that he would conclude his international career following the international break this November, set to bid farewell to the number 7 jersey after an exceptional journey with the Portuguese national team.
With this announcement, one of the most prominent stars of modern football is preparing to write the final chapter of his journey with the Portuguese national team while continuing his professional career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.