Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Farewell: ‘Portugal Will Always Be Part of Me’

Cristiano Ronaldo has brought an emotional close to his Portugal career, describing the national anthem as the moment that will stay with him forever.

In a message shared on social media, the 41-year-old recalled looking around as the anthem played:

“teammates beside him, stands filled with children, mothers, fathers and grandparents, Portuguese supporters who had travelled thousands of kilometres to be there. In those moments, he said, every difference disappeared. Clubs, colours, social classes and professions no longer mattered. There was only one love: Portugal.

“It is this feeling that I will carry throughout my entire future life,” Ronaldo wrote. “Today, my journey on the football field as part of the national team comes to an end.”

He said he walks away with his head held high, proud of the path he has taken and certain that he gave Portugal everything he could. Yet he insisted he will never stop being one of them.

“Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the opportunity to fulfil a dream that was born from a little boy from Madeira, running after a football,” he said. “The number 7 shirt will stay, but the pride of wearing it will always be with me. Portugal will always be a part of me. Forever.”

The statement marks the formal end of a 23-year international career that produced a record 234 caps and 146 goals, along with the Euro 2016 title and two Nations League triumphs.