Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, confirming that he will no longer represent Portugal at the international level.
 

The 41-year-old football legend made the announcement on Thursday through an extended video message shared on social media, bringing an end to an international career that began in August 2003.
 

Ronaldo has represented Portugal in six FIFA World Cups, won the European Championship and established himself as the highest-scoring male player in international football. His remarkable achievements have made him one of the most celebrated footballers in the history of the game.
 

However, his international career, which began with Euro 2004 more than two decades ago, has ended on a disappointing note following reported differences with coach Jorge Jesus. The disagreement reportedly led Ronaldo to distance himself from the national team.
 

In his farewell message, Ronaldo addressed the people of Portugal and said the time had come for him to hand back the national team's iconic No. 7 jersey.
 

"I never considered this jersey to be mine alone. However, for 23 years, I had the honour and responsibility of wearing it, protecting its reputation and representing it in stadiums across the world," he said.
 

Ronaldo added that the responsibility of wearing the famous jersey would now pass to the next generation. He acknowledged that the decision had not been easy, explaining that some decisions involve emotions as much as rational thinking.
 

He described his journey, which started in August 2003, as an experience that changed his life forever.
 

Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came against Wales on September 24 in a Nations League match, which Portugal won 1-0.
 

Following that game, coach Jorge Jesus did not include Ronaldo in the starting lineup for the subsequent match. The coach also indicated that he had no plans to start the veteran forward in the following fixture.
 

Ronaldo subsequently decided to leave the national team's camp. Jesus later clarified that the player would be welcome to return to the squad, adding that the decision to make a comeback rested entirely with Ronaldo.
 

Ronaldo's announcement comes after his contemporary Lionel Messi ended his international career following a farewell appearance for Argentina last month.