Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving the Portugal national team after 23 years, closing one of the most important chapters of his football career. The announcement came via a message posted on social media, in which the champion read a letter to his fans and everyone who supported him during his time with the Portuguese national team. This farewell marks the conclusion of a journey that began in 2003, marked by successes, records, and unforgettable moments.
At the heart of the message is the desire to make room for the new generations, through a handover represented by the historic number 7 jersey. The champion explained : "To all Portuguese, the time has come to return the number 7 jersey to the national team." A decision made after long reflection, as is evident in his words: "I have never felt it belonged exclusively to me, but for 23 years I have had the privilege and responsibility of defending it and carrying it with me on the pitch and around the world. Today, the time has come to pass it on to the next generation. It was not an easy decision because it was made not only with the head but also with the heart."
Memories, fans and the bond with Portugal
In his message, Ronaldo reserved a special thought for his Portuguese supporters, emphasizing how his experience with the national team represented much more than just a sporting career : “The journey that began in 2003 changed my life forever and has now come to an end. When I look back, I don't just see the matches, goals, records, and trophies. I see the people, the Portuguese who live abroad and who, for 90 minutes, feel a little closer to home. I see the millions of fans I've never met personally but who have become part of my life because, in the end, football is more than a sport.”
The final part of the letter is dedicated to the commitment and sacrifices made to represent Portugal in international competitions. Ronaldo recalled the determination with which he sought to achieve every goal, without forgetting the emotions experienced on the pitch : “Throughout my career with the national team, I have always pushed myself beyond my physical limits. I wanted to win, be the best, and make history. I always believed we could go further, and I gave everything for this shirt. There were special nights that I will never forget.”
