Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, ending 23 years with the national team. He announced the decision on his social media pages on Thursday, Mwananchi reported. He said the choice was hard because it involved emotion as well as reason.
Ronaldo, 41, scored 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal. He led the country to the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League trophies, according to Mwananchi. He made his debut in 2003, aged 18. He went on to play at six World Cups and six European Championships.
The World Cup always eluded him. His best runs were a semi-final in Germany in 2006 and a quarter-final in Qatar in 2022, Mwananchi reported. His last World Cup match was a 1-0 loss to Spain at this year's finals. His final game in a Portugal shirt came against Wales on September 24. He played 67 minutes in a 1-0 Nations League win.
The exit follows a row with coach Jorge Jesus, BBC Swahili reported. Jesus benched Ronaldo for one match and said he did not plan to start him in the next. Ronaldo then left the national team camp without permission and went home. He received a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros. According to BBC Swahili, Jesus had kept the door open and left the decision to Ronaldo.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo said he had worn the number seven shirt for 23 years. He described it as a duty to carry it to stadiums around the world. "Now the time has come to hand it to the next generation," he said, according to Mwananchi. He said his success is measured not only in goals and trophies but also in the joy he gave fans. He thanked teammates, coaches, officials, his family and supporters.
Portugal thanked him in a statement, calling him an ambassador for the country who inspired millions, BBC Swahili reported. The broadcaster noted that his long-time rival Lionel Messi left Argentina's team less than a month ago to cheers. Ronaldo's exit, by contrast, has left a bitter taste. Ronaldo said he will keep backing the team through every win and every challenge.