Cristiano Ronaldo Retires from Portugal After 23-Year International Career
LISBON – Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a record-breaking career with Portugal after 23 years wearing the national team’s colours. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed his decision in a five-minute video posted on X on Thursday, describing the national team’s No. 7 shirt as a privilege and responsibility he had carried throughout his international career. “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the No. 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said. “I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.” The announcement closes a remarkable chapter for the 41-year-old f…