Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal's national team after 23 years, 146 goals and a falling-out with the coach
AP has his farewell message and the federation's tribute plans; BBC columnist Guillem Balague explains why the ending feels bitter.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, announced on Thursday, Nov. 5, in a video message that he will no longer play for Portugal. "The day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt," he said, per AP. He leaves with the men's international scoring record: 146 goals in 234 appearances, a European title and six World Cups.
AP reports that his last game was a 1-0 Nations League win over Wales on Sept. 24. Coach Jorge Jesus then kept him on the bench and said he didn't plan to start him in the next match, so Ronaldo left the training camp; Jesus later said he would be welcome back. The BBC says he was sanctioned for leaving without permission (30 days, already served, and a 255-euro fine).
The Portuguese federation thanked him and plans a tribute for fans. Ronaldo keeps playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, 15 goals short of 1,000 in his career, AP says. Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a farewell match last month.
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UEFA Euro 2016 final
After exploring Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement from Portugal, Portugal's first major trophy came in UEFA Euro 2016 final.
The Euro 2016 final was played at the Stade de France on 10 July 2016 between Portugal and hosts France.
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