Cristiano Ronaldo has concluded his international career at age 41 following a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, who had benched the forward and declined to start him in a subsequent fixture. Ronaldo abandoned the team's training camp without permission in response, receiving a 255-euro fine and a 30-day sanction. Over a 23-year international tenure that began prior to the Euro 2004 final, he totaled 146 goals in 234 matches before his final appearance against Wales on 24 September.
Key points
The international retirement came after manager Jorge Jesus removed the veteran star from…: The international retirement came after manager Jorge Jesus removed the veteran star from the starting lineup.
Ronaldo served as a central figure for Portugal across prominent milestones ranging from…: Ronaldo served as a central figure for Portugal across prominent milestones ranging from Euro 2004 to taking over Luis Figo's number 7 shirt.
Tensions with leadership marked both the beginning and end of his tenure, including an ea…: Tensions with leadership marked both the beginning and end of his tenure, including an earlier dispute with Carlos Queiroz after the 2010 World Cup.
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A bitter end for Ronaldo - the icon who transformed Portugal
- Published
Cristiano Ronaldo's old rival Leo Messi left Argentina less than a month ago with a nation applauding him.
The Portugal legend has gone another way, and it was always going to be the case.
The 41-year-old announced his international retirement after 23 years but also after a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus which was resolved with a sanction of 30 days, that had already been served, and a fine of 255 euros.
It was the punishment imposed on the Portuguese striker for leaving the team's training camp without permission. Jesus kept him on the bench for one match and said he did not plan to start him in the next, so Ronaldo went home.
His last appearance came on 24 September against Wales. He ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 games.
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