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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football with Portugal ahead of the next international break.
The Al Nassr forward had chosen not to retire after the World Cup following encouraging discussions with new head coach Jorge Jesus, and had openly stated that helping Portugal retain its UEFA Nations League title was one of his final two career goals — but that was before a falling out with Jesus during the last international window.
Ronaldo departed the Portugal squad after a dispute with Jesus regarding his position in the team and, despite being welcomed back following a suspension for his behavior, has now decided to bring his remarkable international career to a close.
"To the people of Portugal, the moment has arrived for me to return the No. 7 shirt of our national team," Ronaldo said in an extensive statement posted on YouTube.
"I never felt it was mine alone, but for 23 years, I had the honor and the duty of wearing it, protecting it and carrying it with me into arenas across the globe.
"Today, the moment has come to hand it to the next generation. It was not a simple decision, because some decisions cannot be made with reason alone. They are also made with the heart.
"A journey that started in August 2003 and transformed my life forever has now reached its conclusion.
"When I reflect on everything I experienced with the national team, I don't just see games, goals, records or silverware. I see people. I see Portuguese people living overseas who, for 90 minutes, felt a little closer to home. I see millions of Portuguese people I have never encountered but who became a part of my story. Because, when all is said and done, football is so much greater than a sport. Football is about people.
"Throughout my entire time with the national team, I always pushed myself past my boundaries. I wanted to win. I wanted to improve. I wanted to make history. I always demanded the very best from myself. I always wanted more. I always believed we could achieve greater things, and I gave absolutely everything for this shirt."
Ronaldo: 'Head Held High' Over Portugal Exit
The manner of Ronaldo's departure is far from how he would have envisioned it, but despite the bitter final chapter, the veteran forward maintained he had no regrets about his time with Portugal.
"Today, my time on the pitch with the national team comes to a close," he concluded. "I leave with my head held high. Proud of the road I have traveled and knowing that I gave everything I had for Portugal.
"But I will never stop being one of you. I will keep suffering, cheering and celebrating every Portuguese victory with a Siuuu.
"I dedicated my life to becoming the greatest player in the world. Today, I understand that my greatest triumph was earning the privilege of representing the greatest 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 just a young boy in Madeira chasing a football.
"The No. 7 shirt will live on. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be a part of who I am.
"Farewell, until we meet again."