Cristiano Ronaldo retired from Portugal duty after 23 years. His exit follows a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, Nov. 5, ending a 23-year career with Portugal after a fall-out with coach Jorge Jesus, ESPN reported. Ronaldo, 41, scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, a men’s international record in both categories, according to ESPN.
In a video posted on Instagram, Ronaldo said the time had come to “hand back the number seven shirt” of the national team. He said it had not been an easy decision, and that it was made with the heart as well as the head.
The announcement came a day before Jesus was due to name the squad for Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. It also followed a 30-day suspension and fine from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), imposed after Ronaldo walked out on the national team in the previous international window, ESPN said. ESPN reported that Ronaldo apologized to teammates but not to Jesus, whom he accused of breaking promises over playing time. His last game for Portugal was a 1-0 win over Wales on Sept. 24, and he was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win at Norway on Oct. 4, the first time in 18 years, ESPN reported.
Jesus told Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11 he had asked Ronaldo to stay on before the first call-up because he needed him, but said, “I have to accept his decision,” according to Athlon Sports via Yahoo. Athlon also reported that Ronaldo told FPF president Pedro Proença of his decision before going public, without first discussing it with Jesus. The FPF thanked Ronaldo in a statement and said it intends to organize a tribute, with details not yet set, per ESPN and Athlon.
Ronaldo captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and to the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, and played in a sixth World Cup this summer, ESPN reported. He will continue at club level with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and is expected to finish his club career at the end of this season. He has 985 career goals and is chasing 1,000.
ESPN and Athlon Sports (via Yahoo Sports)