Ronaldo Quits Portugal After Coach Feud, Ends Legendary Run

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his definitive retirement from the Portugal national team, ending a 23-year international career that produced 234 caps and 146 goals.

The 41-year-old forward posted a farewell video on social media Thursday, saying, "The day has come to return the number seven shirt to the national team of all of us."

"I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it," he said in the video.

The announcement came just days after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) suspended Ronaldo for 30 days and fined him 255 euros for leaving the national team camp on September 30.

The suspension was the minimum penalty allowed under federation rules, according to reports.

That incident was the culmination of a public spat between Ronaldo and new Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, who had signaled his intention to move on without the veteran striker.

The timing of Ronaldo's announcement raised questions.

The FPF was preparing to release its squad list for upcoming international fixtures against Wales and Denmark when Ronaldo posted his video.

Cynics have suggested that Ronaldo chose to announce his retirement before the federation could leave him off the roster.

If that assumption is true, it would likely remain a tightly held secret for many years, according to analysts.

Ronaldo's video, in isolation, struck a deeply emotional tone.

"Over the years, I learned a few very simple things," he said.

"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."

He added: "If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you embrace someone, forget a worry, or feel proud of our country, then it was all worth it."

The FPF quickly released a short statement after Ronaldo's announcement, glossing over any ill feeling.

Reinaldo Teixeira, president of Liga Portugal, issued a separate tribute, calling Ronaldo "a symbol of our cultural identity" and "a personality that transcends countries and cultures."

"What he gave us cannot fit into half a dozen lines or comments," Teixeira said.

"And he will keep giving. It is my conviction that, despite having taken off the national team shirt, feeling and knowing himself to be Portuguese will be an outfit that remains on his skin and in his emotions."

Ronaldo's international career began in 2003 at age 18.

He went on to become the most-capped men's player in international football history and the all-time leading scorer for any men's national team.

His 146 goals for Portugal include five at the 2022 World Cup and a hat trick in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

He led Portugal to its first major trophy at the 2016 European Championship, scoring the winning penalty in the final against France despite leaving the match early with a knee injury.

He also won the 2019 UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

At club level, Ronaldo has played for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

His contract with Al Nassr runs until the end of this season, and there are no reports yet about a possible extension.

Ronaldo has not announced any retirement from professional club football, and he is expected to continue playing for Al Nassr in the coming weeks.

The club's next match is against Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.

Fans and analysts are now watching to see whether Ronaldo will sign a new deal with Al Nassr, move to another club, or eventually retire from the sport altogether.

For now, the focus remains on the awkward ending to an otherwise extraordinary international career.