Retirement: Piers Morgan names Ronaldo’s greatest Portugal achievements

British broadcaster Piers Morgan has highlighted three of Cristiano Ronaldo’s biggest achievements with Portugal.

Morgan’s remarks came after Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward made the decision following a recent suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation.

The suspension was reportedly over Ronaldo’s walkout from the team’s camp during the Nations League.

Ronaldo shared the news in an emotional and heartfelt video posted on Thursday.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in the video.

“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,” he continued.

“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,” he added.

Morgan, a self-described die-hard fan of Ronaldo, reacted on social media shortly after the video was posted.

“BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from international football in an emotional and heartfelt video,” Morgan wrote.

He then listed three specific achievements he considers Ronaldo’s greatest with Portugal.

“He played the most games ever (234),” Morgan wrote.

“He scored the most goals ever (146).”

“He led Portugal to their only major trophies (3).”

Morgan then called Ronaldo the greatest footballer of all time.

“He is the GOAT,” Morgan wrote, using the acronym for “Greatest of All Time.”

“Congrats @Cristiano,” he concluded with clapping hands emojis.

The term GOAT is commonly used in sports and entertainment to praise top achievers.

Ronaldo’s retirement ends a 23-year international career that began in August 2003.

During that time, he became Portugal’s all-time leader in appearances with 234 caps.

He also holds the record for most goals scored for Portugal with 146.

Under his leadership, Portugal won three major trophies — the only major trophies in the nation’s history.

Those trophies include the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

The third trophy referenced by Morgan is understood to be the 2004 UEFA European Championship runner-up finish, though some interpret the count differently.

Ronaldo’s suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation came after reports that he walked out of the team’s camp during the Nations League.

The incident reportedly occurred after Ronaldo was informed he would not start in a key match.

Ronaldo had been a starter for Portugal since his debut in 2003.

His departure from the camp led to an immediate suspension by the federation.

The suspension effectively ended his international career earlier than he may have planned.

Ronaldo’s retirement announcement was made via a video posted on his social media accounts.

The video featured highlights from his international career, including goals, trophies, and emotional moments.

Fans and fellow athletes have since reacted to the news, with many praising his legacy.

Morgan’s reaction was among the most high-profile, given his well-known admiration for Ronaldo.

The broadcaster has frequently defended Ronaldo in public debates and on his television show.

Morgan’s post has been shared widely across social media platforms.

The numbers he cited — 234 games, 146 goals, and three trophies — are all publicly verifiable records.

Ronaldo’s 234 appearances for Portugal are the most of any player in the nation’s history.

His 146 goals are also a national record, far ahead of second-place Eusébio with 41.

The three major trophies won under his captaincy are the first and only such honors for Portugal.

Before Ronaldo’s era, Portugal had never won a major international tournament.

Ronaldo’s international career spanned four World Cups and five European Championships.

He made his senior debut for Portugal at age 18 in a friendly against Kazakhstan.

He scored his first international goal at Euro 2004 in a group stage match against Greece.

Portugal reached the final of that tournament but lost to Greece in a stunning upset.

Ronaldo cried on the field after the loss, an image that became iconic.

Sixteen years later, he captained Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, defeating France in the final.

Ronaldo was injured early in that final and had to be substituted off, but he remained on the sidelines coaching his teammates.

Portugal won 1-0 on an extra-time goal by Éder.