Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41.
The veteran attacker has scored a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, winning the 2016 Euros and two Nations League titles along the way.
Ronaldo made the announcement on social media on Thursday saying that he would “hand back the No 7 shirt” after the upcoming international break.
“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said. “I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.
“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.
“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.
“Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts.”
No player has made as many international appearances or scored more goals goals than Ronaldo, who made his debut in 2003. This summer's World Cup was a record sixth time he has appeared and scored in the gobal finals.
His decision comes after old rival Lionel Messi made his final appearance for Argentina last month in a friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old ended his international career with 126 goals in 208 games.
More to follow...
