Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday announced his retirement from international football, confirming that he will no longer represent Portugal at the international level.
 

The 41-year-old forward leaves behind an extraordinary career in which he represented Portugal in six FIFA World Cups, won the European Championship and set the world record for the most goals scored in men's international football.
 

However, the end of his career with the national team has come on a disappointing note. Ronaldo had reportedly distanced himself from the squad following differences with coach Jorge Jesus.
 

In a lengthy video message shared on social media, Ronaldo addressed the people of Portugal and announced that he was handing over the national team's iconic No. 7 jersey.
 

“The day has come when I am handing back my national team's No. 7 jersey,” he said.
 

Ronaldo added that he had never considered the jersey to belong exclusively to him. However, he described wearing it for 23 years, representing its honour and carrying it onto stadiums across the world as a great privilege and responsibility.
 

He said the time had come to pass the jersey on to the next generation. Acknowledging that the decision was not easy, Ronaldo said some decisions were guided not only by the mind but also by the heart.
 

He also reflected on the journey that began in August 2003, saying it had changed his life forever and had now reached its conclusion.
 

Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came on September 24 against Wales. Portugal won the Nations League encounter 1-0.
 

Following that match, coach Jorge Jesus did not include Ronaldo in the starting line-up for the next game. Jesus also indicated that he had no plans to start the forward in the subsequent fixture. Ronaldo then decided to leave the team's training camp.
 

Jesus later clarified that Ronaldo would be welcome back to the squad and that the decision to return rested with the player himself.
 

Ronaldo's retirement comes after his contemporary Lionel Messi ended his international career following a farewell match for Argentina last month.