India, Nov. 5 -- Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing an end to a beautiful, heroic, brilliant 23-year journey with Portugal. The 41-year-old forward confirmed on Thursday, November 5, that he will hand back the iconic number 7 shirt and the national team captain's armband after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement through an emotional social media post, sharing a lengthy farewell letter addressed to the Portuguese people.

The Al Nassr forward made his senior international debut in August 2003 and went on to become Portugal's most capped player and leading goalscorer. He has represented his country in 234 matches, scoring 146 goals, both all-time records i...