Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football with Portugal, O Jogo reports. According to the publication, the 41-year-old forward’s final match for the national team was the Nations League game against Wales, which Portugal won 1-0 on September 24.
On the eve of the match against Denmark, Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp. Discussion surrounding the forward intensified after the Nations League match between Norway and Portugal, which ended 2-1.
In that match, Portugal’s captain did not take to the field and spent the entire game on the bench, although he warmed up near the touchline in the second half. After the match, Ronaldo went straight to the dressing room and did not take part in the team’s training session the following day. Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus said such a situation was normal.
Against the backdrop of the situation, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença travelled to Denmark to speak with Ronaldo. Jesus publicly denied the existence of any serious conflict and stressed that the rules were the same for everyone.
On September 30, Ronaldo announced his decision to leave the national team camp after meeting with Proença, adding that he would later explain to the Portuguese people the reasons for his decision.
Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal. This is a record in men’s international football.
Ronaldo plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, which, according to the report, is facing financial difficulties. The footballer has also become involved in the creation of a series about a British football agent.
