Ronaldo makes emotional statement as he retires from international football

BREAKING

After more than 200 games for the European country, the forward has left international football behind him at the age of 41.

The decision comes weeks after a public fallout with the nation's head coach Jorge Jesus, following Jesus' choice to leave the player as an unused substitute throughout a Nations League game against Denmark.

Ronaldo scored 146 goals for the country, and has won European Championship and UEFA Nations League titles during his stint with Portugal.

He announced his decision to retire via social media, where he posted the below statement.

Ronaldo's full statement:

“The day has come back for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team. 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.

“Today, the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made with the mind alone. They are also made with the heart.

“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back at everything with the national team, I don’t just see the matches, goals, records or trophies.

“Goals fade. Trophies end up in museums. Records are eventually broken. But there is something that time can never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts.”