By Adegbaju Temitope
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward confirmed on Thursday that he would relinquish the national team’s iconic number seven shirt and captain’s armband after the November international fixtures.
In an emotional farewell letter addressed to the Portuguese people, Ronaldo reflected on his journey with the national team, the sacrifices he made throughout his career and the special bond he developed with supporters across the world.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner described representing Portugal as both a privilege and a responsibility since making his international debut in August 2003.
In the lengthy message, shared alongside a five-minute farewell video, Ronaldo said the decision to retire was not easy because it involved both his head and heart.
“The day has come to hand back the shirt and the captain’s armband of the national team that belongs to all of us,” he wrote.
“I never felt that it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world.
“Today, the moment has come to pass it on to the future.”
Reflecting on his journey, Ronaldo said his memories of representing Portugal went beyond matches, goals, records and trophies, stressing that the people and emotional connections made along the way remained his most cherished experiences.
He recalled how his performances brought joy to millions of Portuguese people, including immigrants who felt closer to their homeland whenever the national team played.
“Football is much bigger than a game. Football is about people,” he said.
Ronaldo acknowledged that his international career had been marked by memorable victories as well as painful defeats and disappointments, but insisted that he had never stopped feeling proud of representing his country.
He said he had always pushed himself beyond his limits, driven by the desire to win, become the best and make history for Portugal.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star added that while goals, trophies and records might eventually fade or be broken, the place he occupied in the hearts of supporters would remain significant.
“If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it,” he wrote.
He also urged younger generations of Portuguese footballers to continue dreaming, working hard and believing that they could achieve greater heights.
Addressing his national team teammates, Ronaldo thanked them for their sacrifices, camaraderie and shared experiences, noting that although he had the privilege of serving as captain, no leader could succeed alone.
He equally expressed gratitude to coaches, directors, doctors, physiotherapists, kit managers and other members of the national team staff, many of whom, he said, worked behind the scenes to make the team’s achievements possible.
Ronaldo reserved special appreciation for his family, thanking them for enduring his absences and sacrifices throughout his international career.
In one of the most emotional passages of the letter, he recalled the moments when the Portuguese national anthem was played before matches, describing how supporters from different backgrounds, professions and social classes came together in their love for the country.
“During those moments, we stop being different. There are no clubs. There are no colours. There are no classes. There are no professions. There are no opinions. There is only one passion: Portugal,” he said.
In the accompanying farewell video, Ronaldo reiterated his pride in representing his country and declared that he was leaving international football with his head held high.
“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said.
Ronaldo retires from international football with 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer in men’s international football.
His 23-year international career also saw him become Portugal’s most decorated and influential football figure, helping the country win the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
