Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football.
The 41-year-old forward has scored 146 goals and earned 234 caps for his country, both world records, since making his debut in 2003.
He left the Portugal camp in September after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark, resulting in a fine and a 30-day suspension.
In a video posted on Instagram, Ronaldo says, "To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team."
He says he never felt the shirt belonged to him alone, but for 23 years, he had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it into stadiums around the world.
Ronaldo says it was not an easy decision, as some decisions are not made with the mind alone, but also with the heart.
Ronaldo's great rival, Argentina legend Lionel Messi, retired from international football on an emotional night in front of a crowd of 85,000 in Buenos Aires in October.
Source: BBC Sport
