“To the people of Portugal…” – Cristiano Ronaldo announces his resignation

A great career is coming to an end. At least Cristiano Ronaldo will no longer appear in the national team. The 41-year-old Portuguese announced this in a message distributed on his social media channels.

“To the people of Portugal: The day has come for me to return the number 7 jersey of our national team,” says Ronaldo, accompanied by music and images of his long career. "For 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility to carry it, defend it and bring it to stadiums all over the world. I never had the feeling that it belonged exclusively to me," said Ronaldo: "It's not an easy decision, because some decisions you make not only with your head, but also with your heart."

234 caps for Portugal

There are no words of resentment in it, although a public dispute with national coach Jorge Jesus in September heralded the end, including Ronaldo's departure from the national team's camp. The coach had put the superstar on the bench in a Nations League game against Norway, causing his anger. “Portugal will always be a part of me,” wrote the five-time world footballer.