Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years representing Portugal
In an emotional five-minute farewell statement, Ronaldo said:
“Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal.”
“The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people’s hearts.”
“I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.”
Ronaldo thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters around the world, reflecting on the sacrifices, victories and defeats throughout his international career.
“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me.”
“Portugal will always be in me. Forever.”
The end of an extraordinary international career.
