He has been part of the squad for more than two decades.
On Thursday, November 5, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a major career announcement through a video uploaded on his social media page.
After 23 years, he has decided to part ways with the Portuguese national team.
“To the Portuguese people the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt on our National Team,” he said. “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.”
For him, the day has finally come for him to pass it on to the future and said that it was not an easy decision because some decisions are not made with the mind alone, but are also made with the heart.
“A journey that began in August 19, 2003, and changed my life forever, has come to an end,” he continued.
Cristiano also said that when he looks back at everything he had experienced with the National Team, he doesn’r just see matches, hoals, records, or trophies, but also “the people… Portuguese people who, for ninety minutes, felt a little closer to home.”
For him, at the end of the day, football is much bigger than the game and us about people.
“Throughout my entire career with the National team, I always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to become better, I wanted to make history. I always demanded the most of myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go futher. And I gave everything I had for this shirt.”
Through every win and losses in the past two decades, Cristiano said he gave his all and never stopped feeling proud to represent Portugal.
He also noted that he learned over the years that goals fade, trophies go to museums, and records are eventually broken.
The 41-year-old forward then thanked everyone who he has worked with in the team, as well as the fand who came to support them throughout the past two decades.
“Today, my journey on the pitch with thr National Team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I have taken and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” he said. “But I will never stop being one of you. I will keep suffering, cheering, and celebrating every Portuguese victory.
“I spent my life working to become the best player in the world. Today, I realize that my greatest victory was earning the honor of representing the best country in the world… Thank you for 23 years, thank yiu for believing in me, thank you for allowing me to live a dream that began when I was just a little boy,” Cristiano furthered.
He concluded the five-minute video by saying: “The number 7 shirt will remain and the pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be a part of me. Farewell, until we meet again.”
During Cristiano’s stint in the Portuguese national team, they had a streak of qualification for European Championship and World Cup finals, including a runners-up finish at Euro 2004.
While the captain of tbe squad, they won their trophy at Euro 2016 and championship at UEFA Nations League in 2019.
