The face of soccer is about to change as fans know it. After an impressive 23 years in the sport loved around the world, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement.
ESPN notes that the move comes immediately after Ronaldo had a fallout with coach Jorge Jesus.
Though fans will certainly miss Cristiano Ronaldo, he penned a heartfelt goodbye message to everyone on social media.
Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Soccer Fans Farewell
The future of football looks very different without Cristiano Ronaldo. On Instagram, the soccer star formally announced his decision to step away from his beloved sport.
“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo addressed his audience.
“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” the athlete continued. “Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart.”
At the end of the day, his decades-long career was about so much more than the accolades.
“When I look back and think of everything I’ve experienced with the national team, I don’t just see matches, goals, records or trophies. I see people,” Ronaldo added, noting that each fan feels like a part of his life, even though they’ve never met. “I see immigrants who, for 90 minutes, felt Portugal was a little bit closer.”
“Because, at the end of the day, football is so much more than just a game,” the 41-year-old told his audience. “Football is about the people. Throughout my entire career with the national team, I’ve strived to push my limits. I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history.”
The News Comes Just After a Suspension
ESPN further reports that Cristiano Ronaldo’s formal retirement announcement arrived just after he finished serving a 30-day suspension. The Portuguese Football Federation delivered the punishment after Ronaldo walked out of the national team during the previous international window. The 41-year-old ultimately walked out after a massive disagreement with Jorge Jesus.
While Cristiano Ronaldo did apologize to his teammates, he did not have anything to say to Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo believes Jesus delivered broken promises about playing time.
After news of Ronaldo’s retirement broke, the Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement, vowing to pay proper tribute to the long-serving player in time.
“It is with a sense of deep gratitude and immense admiration that the Portuguese Football Federation publicly pays tribute to and thanks Cristiano Ronaldo for his absolutely extraordinary career in the service of our country,” the organization declared.
Portuguese Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Announces Retirement