Cristiano Ronaldo retires from Portugal national team

After a storied 23-year tenure, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has officially stepped away from the Portuguese national team. His departure follows a 30-day suspension stemming from a public disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus regarding his role and team promises.

Ronaldo concludes his international career with 146 goals across 234 appearances, having participated in six World Cups. The veteran forward expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country in a farewell video message.

Recent tactical shifts under Jesus, which saw the team perform effectively without Ronaldo, had created friction regarding his status as a starter. Despite the conflict, the coach noted that the possibility of a future return remains open.

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