Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Cristiano Ronaldo announces end to international football career
The Portuguese football icon has decided to step away from international competition following tensions with national team management. The decision comes after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over team selection.
LSN Malaysia ·
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a storied career representing Portugal on the global stage. The announcement follows a breakdown in relations between the veteran striker and national team coach Jorge Jesus.
The friction between Ronaldo and Jesus surfaced last month during a Nations League fixture, when the coach opted not to include the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in the squad. The decision marked a significant moment of tension between the two, highlighting differing views on team composition and player deployment.
Ronaldo's international career has spanned nearly two decades, during which he established himself as one of football's most prolific goal scorers and helped lead Portugal to European Championship success in 2016. His departure represents the end of an era for the Portuguese national team.
The retirement decision effectively concludes speculation about Ronaldo's future involvement with the national squad, as ongoing disagreements with the coaching staff had cast doubt over his continued participation in international matches.