‘There’s only one passion: PORTUGAL’: Cristiano Ronaldo bids emotional farewell to national team; Read the full speech

Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (AP photo) Cristiano Ronaldo has officially brought the curtain down on his illustrious international career, announcing his retirement from Portugal duty after 23 years, six World Cup appearances and a record 146 goals in 234 games.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the announcement in an emotional video message to the Portuguese people on Thursday, confirming that his journey with the national team has come to an end. However, the 41-year-old is not retiring from professional football and is expected to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr until the end of the current season.Ronaldo’s international career began in August 2003, before Euro 2004, and he became one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history. He led the country to its first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and subsequently lifted the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019.He also holds the men’s all-time international scoring record with 146 goals, having represented Portugal in six editions of the FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo is currently chasing the remarkable milestone of 1000 career goals, taking his tally to 985.

Ronaldo’s farewell to Portugal follows a tense period with coach Jorge Jesus

The announcement comes after a difficult period involving Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo’s last appearance for the national team came on 24 September when Portugal recorded a 1–0 home win over Wales in the Nations League.Jesus subsequently left the veteran on the bench for the following game and indicated that he did not intend to start with him in the next game either. Ronaldo then decided to leave the national team training camp. Although Jesus later said the striker would be welcome back and that the decision to return was up to him, Ronaldo has now ended his international career.His farewell comes shortly after his long-time rival Lionel Messi ended his international career in Argentina last month following a much-anticipated farewell performance.The Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to Ronaldo, expressing “deep gratitude and immense admiration” for his contribution to the country.In his farewell message, Ronaldo spoke of the sacrifices, victories, defeats and emotional connections that have defined his 23-year journey. He also thanked his teammates, coaches, support staff and family and reflected on what the Portugal national team means to him.One passage in particular captured the emotion of his farewell, with Ronaldo declaring: “There is only one passion: PORTUGAL.”He signed off with a pledge to continue supporting the national side, adding that he would celebrate every Portuguese victory with his trademark “Siuuu!”

Read the full text of Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement statement

“The day has come for the Portuguese people to return the number 7 jersey of our national team. I never felt that it belonged only to me. But for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility to wear it, to defend it and to carry it with me to stadiums around the world. Today is the time to pass it on to the future.”It was not an easy decision. Because some decisions are not made only with the mind. They are also made with heart. The journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end. When I look back at what I’ve experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people. I see Portuguese people living abroad who felt a little closer to home for ninety minutes. I see millions of Portuguese people whom I have never met but who have become a part of my life. Because at the end of the day, football is much bigger than the game. Football is about people.Throughout my career with the national team, I have always pushed myself beyond my limits. I wanted to win. I wanted to be better. I wanted to make history. I always demanded the maximum from myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could go on. And I gave everything I had for this shirt. They were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories that I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember. I made mistakes. I suffered. There were also times when I couldn’t give the Portuguese what they so desperately wanted. But I never gave up. And above all, I never stopped being proud to represent Portugal.I’ve learned a few very simple things over the years: goals disappear. Trophies end up in museums. Records are finally broken. But there is something that time will never erase: the place we hold in people’s hearts. If I ever made you happy, if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget your worries, or make you proud of our country, then it was all worth it. Because being Portuguese is also about this. We suffer together. We get up together. We believe again.Portugal will always need young people who dare to dream. Players who never give up. A new generation that believes it is possible to go where no one has gone before. Because a country that keeps creating new heroes is a country that never stops believing in itself.I want to say something special to my teammates. Thank you for every run. For every hug. For every argument. For every silence before entering the field. For every victory we celebrated together and for every defeat that made us stronger. I had the honor of being your captain, but no captain walks alone. And you will always be part of my story. Thank you to all the coaches, directors, doctors, physios, kit managers, staff members and many others who have worked with me over the years. Many of you never appeared in the photos. But without you, none of these photos would ever have been created.To my family.. Thank you for sharing this dream with me. Thank you for understanding the absences, the sacrifices and the moments when the national team had to take a place in my life that belonged to you too. If I’ve made it this far, it’s because we’re always hand in hand.And to the people of Portugal…To every Portuguese, wherever you are in the world, there is one last thing I want to say to you. There is an image that I will carry with me forever. The moment our national anthem begins. I look around. I see my teammates. I can see the stands. I see children, mothers, fathers and grandparents. I see Portuguese people who traveled so far just to be there. And for those few minutes, all our differences disappear. There are no clubs. There are no colors. There are no classes. There are no professions. There are no opinions.There is only one passion: PORTUGAL. That’s the feeling I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.Today my journey on the field with the national team ends. I leave with my head held high. I am proud of the journey I took and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal. But I will never stop being one of you. I will continue to suffer, cheer and celebrate every Portuguese victory Siuuuuu!I’ve worked my whole life to be the best player in the world. Today, I realize that my greatest victory was getting the honor of representing the best country in the world.Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to live a dream that started when I was still a little boy in Madeira, running after football.The number 7 shirt will remain. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be a part of me. Goodbye until we meet again. Cristiano Ronaldo”