Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he is retiring from international football. The 41-year-old forward, who has earned 234 caps and scored 146 goals for his country—both world records—stated in an Instagram video that the time has come to pass on his iconic number seven shirt.
Ronaldo's decision follows a fallout with national coach Jorge Jesus last month. According to reports, the forward walked out of the Portugal camp after being told he would not start in a Nations League match against Denmark.
In his announcement, Ronaldo told the Portuguese people that the day has come for him to hand back the number seven shirt. He noted that while he never felt the shirt belonged to him alone, he had the privilege and responsibility of wearing, defending, and carrying it into stadiums across the world for 23 years.
Ronaldo described the decision as difficult, stating that some choices are not made with the mind alone but are also made with the heart. He concluded by noting that the journey which began in August 2003 and changed his life forever has come to an end.
