It’s the end of an era: Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer star, has announced his decision to retire from the Portuguese national team. Ronaldwho will turn 42 years later, is considered one of the best players in the history of the sport, and announced his retirement from international soccer after 23 years. Portugalwinning Euro 2016 and two editions of the UEFA Nations League. Christian following the advice of a long time rival Lionel Messiwho left Argentina’s national team last month. During his career with Lusitania, he scored 146 goals in 234 games.
Ron’s sentence follows a hate current head coach Jorge Jesus. Last month, the striker of Portugal left the training camp killed private Jets disagreement with the coach, then an open and regretful letter to the fans and the team where he explained his decision, without mentioning the manager. The Portuguese Federation later suspended the player for 30 days but he was eligible to be called up for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales.
Ronaldo sent a video message on his social media announcing his decision to retire from the national team: “To the people of Portugal, the day has come to hand over the number seven shirt of the national team, which belongs to all of us. It was never mine alone. But for 23 years I had the privilege and duty of wearing it, defending and taking it with me to stadiums all over the world. Today was not the time. There are decisions that are not made with the head alone;
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner played his sixth and final World Cup this summer United States, Canada and Mexicowhen Portugal was eliminated of Spain in the 16th round of the tournament.
“The journey that began in August 2003 and my life has come to an end. When I look back and think about everything I experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, tables or trophies. I see people. I see immigrants who felt for 90 minutes that Portugal was a little closer. I see millions of Portuguese people that I never have in my person, but in my life, but in my life. It is much more than the game.
“I always worked on myself. I always wanted more, I always believed that we could go further. And I gave everything I had for this shirt. The afternoon and evening were perfect; there were victories that I will never forget. The defeats that I still find today are difficult. I also failed, I also suffered, and there were moments when I could not, but I could not give what I never gave to the Portuguese. He stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal. Over the years, I learned some simple hearts. If I have ever made you happy, if one of my goals has always been to cherish someone, forget your cares and feel nothing else. pride at the country, then it was so valuable. Because that’s what Portuguese is all about. We suffer together, we rise together. No leader walks alone, and you are all part of my story. Portugal always needs young people who dream, players who never give up, new generations who believe they can reach places no one has reached before. Because a country that continues to create new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself.