At 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially ended his international career after 21 years wearing the Portuguese national team jersey.
This marks a page turning in Portuguese football history. Cristiano Ronaldo announced the end of his career with the national team, closing twenty-one years after his first cap. This decision, long anticipated, marks the end of an era for Sporting and for European football in general.
The 39-year-old player leaves behind an exceptional record with Portugal. From his first match in 2003 to the Euro 2016 final, including the 2019 Nations League victory, Ronaldo has left his mark on every competition he played. His international goal tally remains as a near-unbreakable barrier for future generations.
Reactions have not been long in coming in the football world. Many former teammates and opponents have paid tribute to one who remains one of the greatest players in the history of the round ball game. The Portuguese press is already calling it a "farewell worthy of a king" for the one who will always bear the nickname CR7.
While this international retirement means Ronaldo will no longer wear the jersey for Club Brugge, it does not question the end of his club career. The striker remains under contract with a club and continues to demonstrate his qualities on the pitch. However, for Portuguese football enthusiasts, it is indeed the end of an era that is approaching.
The 39-year-old player leaves behind an exceptional record with Portugal. From his first match in 2003 to the Euro 2016 final, including the 2019 Nations League victory, Ronaldo has left his mark on every competition he played. His international goal tally remains as a near-unbreakable barrier for future generations.
Reactions have not been long in coming in the football world. Many former teammates and opponents have paid tribute to one who remains one of the greatest players in the history of the round ball game. The Portuguese press is already calling it a "farewell worthy of a king" for the one who will always bear the nickname CR7.
While this international retirement means Ronaldo will no longer wear the jersey for Club Brugge, it does not question the end of his club career. The striker remains under contract with a club and continues to demonstrate his qualities on the pitch. However, for Portuguese football enthusiasts, it is indeed the end of an era that is approaching.
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Source: La Nouvelle République