Cristiano Ronaldo says goodbye to the national team. A touching message to fans

In the published statement, Ronaldo recalled that he played in the Portuguese national team for 23 years wearing the number 7 shirt. As he emphasized, the decision to end this stage of his career was not easy.

The star emphasized that joining the Portugal national team in August 2003 changed his life forever.

When I look at everything I have experienced in the national team, I don't just think about the games, the goals, the records and the trophies. I see Portuguese people living abroad feeling a little closer to home for 90 minutes. Millions of Portuguese people whom I have never met, but who became part of my life - recalled the successful footballer.

Ronaldo emphasized that football is more than a game and the most important thing in it are people. He also assured that throughout his representative career he tried to exceed his sporting limits.

I wanted to win, be better, make history. I have always demanded the most from myself, he said.

Ronaldo is 41 years old. He played 234 matches for the national team. He scored 146 goals.

The footballer emphasized that trophies go to museums, records are broken over time, but something else is most important.