Portugal: Rio Ferdinand reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from international football

Ronaldo, Ferdinand’s former Manchester United teammate, confirmed his retirement from international football on Thursday.

The former England international took to X to hail the legendary footballer after the news of his retirement was circulated on social media.

He wrote, “Cristiano Ronaldo says ‘farewell’ to Portugal and international football. Retiring with the incredible record of 234 caps and 146 goals.”

Ronaldo’s video, released on Thursday 5 November, confirmed his decision to end a 23-year international career.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward said the time had come ‘to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team’, adding that the decision was not made ‘with the mind alone’ but ‘also with the heart’.

He signs off with 234 caps and 146 goals, both men’s international records, plus Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League titles. Notably, 94 of those goals came after his 30th birthday.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s last appearance was September’s 1-0 win over Wales at Alvalade; he was an unused substitute in Oslo, then left the camp on 30 September.

That walkout cost him a €255 fine and a 30-day suspension, backdated to the day he left, from the Portuguese federation’s disciplinary council, after he accused Jorge Jesus of breaking his word over promised playing time.

In a 1,740-word statement at the time, he apologised to his teammates and insisted he was not retiring. He has now reversed that call. The federation thanked its ‘eternal captain’ and announced plans for a ‘fitting tribute’, while Rio Ferdinand and Diogo Dalot were also among the former teammates who replied under the same post.