Portugal: Federation issues statement after Cristiano Ronaldo announcement

Thursday's big news has sent shockwaves through Portugal and the world of football. Cristiano Ronaldo has hung up his boots for the national team. In the wake of the announcement, the Portuguese Football Federation issued a lengthy statement.

A legend's final chapter came to a close in Portugal on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his international retirement. In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation paid tribute to the Al-Nassr player.

“More than an exceptional athlete”

The Federation was quick to pay tribute to CR7 on its social media accounts.

"The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest and eternal gratitude to its longtime captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who today announced his definitive departure from the national team. With a feeling of profound gratitude and immense admiration, the Portuguese Football Federation wishes to publicly pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo and thank him for his absolutely extraordinary career in the service of our country. More than an exceptional athlete, our captain has been an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the spirit of our national team. Over the course of a legendary international career, marked by 234 caps and 146 goals, the captain carried the country on his shoulders, broke records and led the team through moments that will remain forever etched in the history of national football. Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal and every armband worn with honour on the pitch reflected his unconditional love for our shirt. His dedication and legacy extend beyond the four lines of the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo has made Portugal's name shine and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps; for many of us, he is the greatest player of all time! That is why the Portuguese Football Federation refuses to let this farewell pass without paying him the tribute he deserves. We have a firm and deep desire to organise, plan, take part in and actively collaborate on what will forever stand as a tribute worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo's immense career, during which the fans and the country will be able to applaud and celebrate once again the player who has given us so much. Thank you for everything, captain! You will always be at home here! On to the 1,000th goal," the statement read.

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Joshua SOSSOU

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As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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