By Samuel Akpan
After more than 20 years of wearing Portugal’s colors, Cristiano Ronaldo is hanging up his international boots.
The 41-year-old superstar took to Instagram on Thursday to share an emotional farewell video, bringing one of football’s greatest national team legacies to a close.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come when I hand over the number 7 shirt to our national team,” Ronaldo said.
He exits as Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
“I never felt it was mine alone, but over 23 years, I had the honor and responsibility of wearing it,” he added.
The forward captained Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
“Today, I end a journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever. When I look back… I don’t just see matches or goals or records or trophies, but I see people,” Ronaldo reflected.
He spoke of emigrants who felt Portugal closer for 90 minutes and millions of fans who became part of his life, stressing he always pushed limits, sought to win, be the best, and gave everything for the shirt.
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