India, Nov. 5 -- Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football's all-time greats, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year career with the national team. A Euro 2016 winner, Ronaldo bows out with 146 goals in 234 appearances, holding the records for most goals and appearances in men's international football.

Here's the full transcript of his retirement statement:

"To the Portuguese people. The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

Today, the time has come to pas...