Cristiano Ronaldo has released a heartfelt statement announcing his retirement from international soccer.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Ronaldo addressed the people of Portugal, saying: “To the Portuguese people: the day has come to return the number seven jersey of our national team—a team that belongs to us all.
“I never felt it was exclusively mine; rather, for twenty-three years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all over the world. Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future.”
He continued by explaining how difficult the decision had been, adding: “This was not an easy decision, for some choices are not made solely with the head—they are also made with the heart.”
Ronaldo’s professional soccer career began in August 2003 and changed his life forever. Since then, he has made more than 200 appearances for his home country, Portugal, scoring 146 goals, according to Sky Sports.
The 41-year-old, who recently married his longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez, also reflected on his years representing the national team.
“Throughout my career with the national team, I strove to push past my own limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, and I wanted to make history.
“I was always demanding of myself—always wanting more, always believing that we could go even further. And I gave everything I had for this jersey.
“There were perfect afternoons and evenings; there were victories I will never forget; and there were defeats that are still painful to recall.
“I also failed at times; I suffered; there were moments when I could not give the Portuguese people what they so deeply desired. But I never gave up. And, above all, I never ceased to feel proud to represent Portugal.”
Ronaldo has become widely recognized for wearing the number seven jersey throughout his remarkable career.
Many of his 679 million Instagram followers have already shared their reactions to the emotional video.
“Legendary and will always be. Thank you for the best moments,” one person commented.
“Cristiano Ronaldo best of all time,” another follower wrote, while a third praised him as the “god of football.”
