Cristiano Ronaldo offers shock Portugal retirement update

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Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal European Championship
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Cristiano Ronaldo has shocked fans by confirming he is considering international retirement from Portugal.

Ronaldo continues to score goals at an impressive rate for Al Nassr but his future with the national team has come into sharp focus since Euro 2024.

Roberto Martinez's side bowed out of the competition at the quarterfinal stage with Ronaldo now rumoured to be looking to bring down the curtain on his incredible Portugal career,

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar tops the list of international appearances in men's football, with 212 caps since his international debut in 2003.

Ronaldo's 130 Portugal goals also places him at the top of the international men's goal list with success at Euro 2016 his sole international title with his country.

MORE: All the latest soccer action | Cristiano Ronaldo news

He will turn 41 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and he admitted he is close to the end.

"When I leave the national team, I won't tell anyone in advance. It will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but a very well thought-out one," he said, as per an interview with Portuguese TV channel NOW, via Relevo.

"Right now what I want is to be able to help the national team in the upcoming matches. We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play."

Portugal face two home UEFA Nations League matches next month, against Croatia on September 5, followed by a clash with Scotland three days later.

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Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News.
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