Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Kathmandu: Portugal's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football. On Thursday, he released a video message on his Instagram social media account, stating that he is bringing his 23-year-long international career with the Portugal national team to an end.

Ronaldo mentioned that playing for Portugal was the most proud experience of his life and stated that the time has come to hand over the iconic number seven jersey to the next generation. He noted that while this decision is emotional, it is a natural conclusion to his international journey.

Having made his international football debut in August 2003 as a substitute against Kazakhstan, Ronaldo subsequently went on to captain the Portugal national team.

Over a 23-year international career, he played 234 matches and scored 146 goals. Both records for the most appearances and most goals in men's international football belong to Ronaldo.

Under his leadership, Portugal won the European Championship title in 2016. Additionally, they won the UEFA Nations League title in 2019. Throughout his international career, Ronaldo played in 6 editions of the European Championship and 6 editions of the FIFA World Cup. Having entered the national team at a teenage age, he has become one of the most successful players in Portuguese football history. — ANI