Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, prompting an outpouring of admiration.

The game will never see a player quite like Cristiano Ronaldo. Signed by United as a tricky winger in 2003, Ronaldo evolved into the game’s most prolific goalscorer of all time.

Ronaldo is the all time international record scorer and the all time Champions League record scorer.

At 41, he has now retired from international football with Portugal, with current United star Bruno Fernandes paying tribute.

Now his close United pals Nani and Anderson have both issued messages to show admiration for their former teammate, who they won the Champions League alongside in 2007/08.

Nani’s message to Ronaldo

“Congrats bro on such a beautiful walk! 🙌🏾🇵🇹 You inspired us all and made us believe that as Portuguese we could be the best in the world. You have made us proud of ourselves, as a people and as a national team.

“You are and will always be a reference to all of us who follow you and have shared amazing moments with you, on and off the field.

“The National Team is the highlight of our careers and I am incredibly proud to have been a part of your story. For me, you are the greatest of all time, not only for the player you were and for all that you gave to our National Team, but for what you represented to all of us.

“Even when we often disagreed, we were always growing, improving, and learning. And we owe you that too.

“For all of this, I can only say: Thank you very much, Captain! What you did for Portugal and all of us will never be forgotten.”

Anderson’s message to Ronaldo

“Thank you for everything you did for me at the club in Manchester during the five years we played together. Thank you for opening the doors of your home and for all the kindness and friendship.

“You have been an incredible player, an important figure for Portugal and an inspiration to football around the world.

“Your contribution to the national team and your legacy in the game will never be forgotten. Wishing you all the best, always. Much respect and gratitude!”

Ronaldo still has another quest to achieve

You can only imagine the tributes when Cristiano Ronaldo eventually announces his full retirement from football.

For now, there is still a clear objective he wants to achieve. He is desperate to reach the figure of 1,000 competitive goals.

Ronaldo’s tally is currently on 985 goals. He has scored nine goals in 12 appearances for Al-Nassr this season, and it won’t be long until he hits his target.

His international retirement is a sign that he recognises he is close to winding down, and we should brace ourselves for the possibility this could be Ronaldo’s final season.