Ronaldo retires from Portugal at 41 after benching dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his 234-match career for Portugal on Thursday. The 41-year-old forward announced the retirement in a video posted to social media. He stated that the day had arrived to return the number 7 shirt to the national team.

Jorge Jesus, the Portugal head coach, presented the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches on Friday. Jesus admitted he had not predicted the exit. He said he intended to select Ronaldo for the next match. Jesus noted that the striker felt it was the right time to stop playing for his country.

The decision follows a public disagreement during the summer. Jesus benched Ronaldo for the match following his final appearance on Sept. 24. That game was a 1-0 home victory against Wales. Ronaldo left the team's training camp in response to the benching. He later issued an apology for his actions.

The Portuguese soccer federation fined the player for his departure from camp. The federation also suspended him from the national team for 30 days. Jesus said he respected the player's choice to retire. He emphasized that Ronaldo remains a symbol for younger athletes in the nation.

Jesus said he did not hold personal grudges against the former star. He explained that his tactical choices were made for the benefit of the team. He described himself as being at ease with all the decisions made during the squad selection process.

Ronaldo will continue to play club football in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr. He is currently 15 goals short of his 1,000th career goal. His international record includes 146 goals, which is a men's world record for a single nation.

The Portuguese federation plans to hold a tribute ceremony for Ronaldo. He helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and played in six World Cups. Portugal hosts Denmark in Braga on Nov. 14. The team travels to Cardiff to visit Wales on Nov. 17. Portugal has already secured a spot in the Nations League quarterfinals.