Ronaldo leaves Portugal after 23 years

Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped away from the Portuguese national team. The move concludes a 23-year career in international soccer for the 41-year-old striker. He will turn 42 next year. His departure follows a similar path to that of Lionel Messi. Messi retired from the Argentine national team last month.

The announcement follows a period of tension between the player and the coaching staff. Last month, Ronaldo left the national training camp on a private jet. He had a disagreement with the manager. He did not name the coach in an open letter to fans and teammates. The letter explained his reasons for leaving the camp. The Portuguese federation suspended him for 30 days. He remained eligible for selection for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales.

Ronaldo used a video message on social media to tell the public. He described the moment as the right time to return the number seven shirt. He noted that the shirt always belonged to the people of Portugal. He called wearing the kit for two decades a privilege and a responsibility. He said he took the jersey to stadiums around the world. He admitted the decision was difficult. He said he made it with both his head and his heart.

His last major tournament was the World Cup held this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was his sixth and final appearance at the global competition. Portugal lost to Spain in the round of 16. Over his entire international career, Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 games. He won Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo said his journey began in August 2003. He said that start changed his life forever. He stated that when he looks back, he sees more than matches and goals. He does not see just records or trophies. He sees the people. He mentioned immigrants who felt a closer connection to Portugal during games. He also mentioned millions of fans who are part of his life even if they have never met him.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner said football is about the people. He said he always tried to push his limits. He wanted to win and make history. He acknowledged that he has always been hard on himself. He believed the team could go further. He said he gave everything he had for the shirt. He experienced unforgettable victories and difficult defeats.

Ronaldo admitted that he failed and suffered. There were moments when he could not provide what the Portuguese people wanted. He said he never gave up. He always felt proud to represent his country. He noted that goals and trophies are temporary. He said the place a player holds in people's hearts is permanent.

He concluded by saying that if his goals made fans happy or proud, it was worth it. He spoke to the spirit of being Portuguese. He said the nation suffers and rises together. He emphasized that no captain walks alone. He said the fans are part of his story. He ended by saying Portugal needs young people who dream. He said a country that creates new heroes never stops believing in itself.