Cristiano Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from the Portugal national team ‌on Thursday in a social media post, ​bringing ⁠to an end one of ‌the most illustrious international ‌careers in the history of football.

The 41-year-old said he would 'hand back the number 7 ‌shirt' after the November international break.

Ronaldo captained the ⁠team to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and helped them win the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.

"It was not an easy decision, because there are decisions ​that are not made only with the ‌head. They are also made with the heart," said Ronaldo.

"If I ever made you happy, ⁠if one of my goals ever made you hug someone, forget a worry or feel proud ​of ‌our country, then it was all worth ‌it."

Ronaldo thanked his family, the Portuguese people and the teammates, coaches and staff he worked ‌with over his ‌23-year career with ⁠national team.

"Portugal will always be a ‌part of me," he captioned the announcement video.

Ronaldo has made 234 appearances ⁠for Portugal and scored 146 goals. ​He holds the all-time record for international appearances and for international goals.

Reuters