Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement after 23 years with Portugal
The 41-year-old striker ends his career with 146 goals following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football after 23 years, according to BBC News. The 41-year-old's last appearance for the national team was on 24 September against Wales.
The decision follows a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus after Ronaldo left the team's training camp without permission. This resulted in a 255 euro fine and a 30-day sanction, which Ronaldo has already served. Jesus had kept the striker on the bench for one match and indicated he would not start him in the next, leading Ronaldo to go home.
Ronaldo finishes his international career with 146 goals in 234 games. While Jesus stated the door remained open for the player, Ronaldo is no longer an automatic starter.
A message circulated in Portugal thanking the player, describing him as a global ambassador and an inspiration to millions. However, the end of his career has been described as having a bitter taste.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo experienced various relationships with managers, including Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlos Queiroz, and Fernando Santos. He played in the Euro 2004 final at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon as a teenager before eventually becoming the team captain.