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Portugal's Ronaldo announces international retirement

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The forward's national team career concludes after earning 234 caps and scoring 146 goals, cementing his position as the all-time leader in both categories. Over more than two decades, he led his country to victory at Euro 2016 as well as two Nations League championships. Announcing the choice was made with both his head and heart, he thanked his family, teammates, coaches, staff, and the Portuguese public for their enduring support.

Key points

  • The departure will see Ronaldo officially hand back Portugal's iconic number seven shirt…: The departure will see Ronaldo officially hand back Portugal's iconic number seven shirt after more than two decades.
  • Ronaldo's tenure included leading his country to its first-ever major trophy at Euro 2016…: Ronaldo's tenure included leading his country to its first-ever major trophy at Euro 2016 alongside tournament wins in 2019 and 2025.
  • The veteran forward stated that his decision was carefully considered with both his head…: The veteran forward stated that his decision was carefully considered with both his head and his heart.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portuguese national team

The 41-year-old said that he would “hand back the number seven shirt” after the November international break.

BARCELONA: Cristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from the Portugal national team on Thursday (Nov 5) in a social media post, bringing to an end one of the most illustrious international careers in the history of football.

The 41-year-old said he would “hand back the number seven shirt” after the November international break.

Ronaldo captained the team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.

"It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions that are not made only with the head. They are also made with the heart," said Ronaldo.

"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."

Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff he worked with over his 23-year career with…

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