Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal National Team After 234 Games and 146 Goals
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will stop playing international football. The 41-year-old leaves as the world record holder for both games played and goals scored for a national team
Ronaldo Says Goodbye on Social Media
Cristiano Ronaldo shared the news on Thursday in a video on his Instagram account. He said he will give back his famous No. 7 shirt after the international games this month.
In his message to the people of Portugal, Ronaldo said the shirt never belonged only to him. He said he felt honoured to wear it for 23 years and to carry the number to football grounds around the world.
A Dispute With the New Coach
His decision comes after a difficult month. In October, Portugal’s new coach Jorge Jesus did not let Ronaldo play in a UEFA Nations League match. Ronaldo was unhappy with the coach and left the national team training camp without permission.
The incident caused a big stir in Portugal. In the end, the Portuguese Football Federation gave Ronaldo a 30-day ban.
Two World Records
Ronaldo has played 234 games for Portugal and scored 146 goals. Both numbers are world records in men’s international football.
During his long career with the national team, Ronaldo also led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title, one of the biggest moments in the country’s football history.
Fans will now look to this month’s international games as the final chance to see Ronaldo wear the Portugal shirt.