Cristiano Ronaldo Retires From Portugal After 234 Caps and 146 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo announced Thursday in an Instagram video that he is stepping away from Portugal’s national team, closing a 23-year international career in which he set world records of 234 caps and 146 goals, BBC Sport, ESPN and RNZ reported.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” the 41-year-old forward said, according to BBC Sport. He called it a decision made “with the heart” as well as the mind and said the journey that began in August 2003 had come to an end.

A split with Jorge Jesus

The announcement follows a public falling-out with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo left the team camp during last month’s international break after a dispute over his playing time in a Nations League match, BBC Sport and ESPN reported. ESPN said he was handed a suspension from international duty and a small fine, and that Ronaldo had accused Jesus of breaking a promise that he would come off the bench.

Ronaldo won the 2016 European Championship with Portugal, ESPN noted.

Federation plans a tribute

The Portuguese Football Federation said it would not “let this farewell take place without due tribute” and wants to organize an event where fans can celebrate his career, BBC Sport reported. Portugal is scheduled to name its squad Friday for November Nations League matches against Denmark at home and Wales away.

The decision comes weeks after Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longtime rival, retired from international soccer in October, according to BBC Sport.

Sources: BBC Sport, ESPN, RNZ