‘Portugal will always be in me’: Ronaldo ends international career

What the report says

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his international career with Portugal after 23 years, according to Sqoop Uganda. The 41-year-old announced the decision on Thursday, November 5, in an emotional social media post, saying Portugal would “always be in me.” The move closes a long national-team chapter for one of football’s most recognisable figures.

Sqoop Uganda reported that Ronaldo departs as Portugal’s most-capped player, with 234 appearances, and the leading scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals. His career with the national side began in 2003, and over time he helped reshape Portugal’s status on the global stage. The article notes that his major triumph with the team came at Euro 2016 in France, when Portugal won its first European Championship, and that he was part of later UEFA Nations League successes as well.

In his farewell message, Ronaldo said wearing the Portugal number seven shirt for more than two decades was both a privilege and a responsibility. He said the decision was hard and made with both mind and heart. His final appearance for Portugal came in September, in a Nations League win over Wales, the report said. He is expected to continue at club level with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

The Portuguese Football Federation has expressed appreciation for his contribution and plans to honour him, according to the article. His retirement marks the end of a defining era for Portugal, with records that will be difficult to match.