BERLIN, Nov 5 (Bernama-dpa) -- Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his Portugal career with immediate effect, German Press Agency (dpa) reported, citing the 41-year-old football star’s social media post on Thursday.
The forward walked out on the national team during the last international break after a row with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.
He was given a 30-day ban by the Portuguese Football Federation but had been expected to return to the fold for Nations League matches in November.
But he has now decided to call time on an international career which has heralded a men's record 146 goals.
"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," he said in a video.
Ronaldo will still continue to play for Saudi club side Al Nassr as he chases 1,000 career goals. He had previously indicated he could retire completely next year.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
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