Cristiano Ronaldo, the striker of the Portuguese national team, has finished his national career.
The 41-year-old specialist chose to leave after a serious disagreement with the head coach of the national team, Jorge Jesus, during the last international break.
Ronaldo was left out of the Copenhagen squad ahead of the Nations League clash with Denmark after being on the bench in the previous game against Norway. He was fined €255 (£215; $286) and handed a 30-day ban by the Portuguese Football Federation.
It was expected that reconciliation talks would resolve the situation and he would return for the upcoming games against Denmark and Wales, but he decided to pull out of the international game.
“The day that I will be given back the number 7 shirt of our national team is back,” he said on his Instagram and X accounts.
“Today is the time to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not only made with the mind. They are also made with the heart.
“My journey that started in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look at everything about the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records or trophies.
“I see people. I see Portuguese people living abroad who feel closer to home in 90 minutes. I see millions of Portuguese people who I have never met but who have become a part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is much more than a game. Football is about people.”
Record-breaking Ronaldo bows out for Portugal
Ronaldo leaves the team with the most international appearances (234) and most goals (146) in history.
He made his international debut in 2003 and led Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and two Nations League titles.
He added: “Throughout my career with the national team, I have always pushed myself to the limit. I wanted to win, be better, make history. I always demanded the most from myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this jersey.
“There were great afternoons and nights. There were victories that I will never forget.
“I made mistakes. I suffered. There were moments when I couldn’t give the Portuguese what they wanted so much. But I never gave up. And above all, I wasn’t proud to represent Portugal.
“Over the years, I’ve learned a few very simple things: Goals fade. Trophies are in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there’s one thing time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts. If I’ve ever made you happy, if one of my goals has made you hug someone, forget your worries or be proud of your country. This. We rise together.
“Portugal will always need young people who dare to dream. Players who never give up. New generations who believe it’s possible to go where no one has gone before. Because a country that keeps creating new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself.”
Ronaldo’s last appearance for the Portuguese national team was against Wales in September.
He will now focus his efforts on club affairs with Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al-Nassr, who won the title last season.