CRISTIANO RONALDO TO RETIRE FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

LISBON, NOVEMBER 5 /SRNA-Reuters/ - Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will retire from international football, bringing to an end one of the most illustrious careers in the history of the international game.

Ronaldo, 41, said he would "hand over his number seven" after this month's international break.

Cristiano Ronaldo served as the captain of the Portugal national team at the 2016 European Championship, where the team won its first major international title. He also served as the captain when the national team won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

"The decision was not an easy one, because some decisions are not made with the head alone, but also with the heart. If I have ever made you happy, if my goals have made you hug someone, forget your worries and feel proud of your country, then it was all worth it," Ronaldo said.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, his teammates, coaches and all the staff he had worked with throughout his 23-year international career.

"Portugal will always be a part of me," said Ronaldo, who has made 234 appearances for his national team and scored 146 goals, more than any other player in the world.

Ronaldo has been named the world's best footballer five times during his career.