The end could be in sight for Portugal hero Cristiano Ronaldo, as his international retirement is being spoken about in whispers in the media circles in Portugal.
Ronaldo released a statement on Wednesday evening, detailing that he has left the Portugal camp and will not be playing for his country in this window.
Reports from Portuguese media have claimed that it is the end of Ronaldo's illustrious international career, which has yielded a European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.
The 41-year-old appears to be feuding with coach Jorge Jesus, and his sister has also spoken of the 'lack of respect' shown to him.
Cristiano Ronaldo Set To End His International Career?
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to retire from the national team after the episode of the past few days.
His statement did not reveal that he intended to end his international career, but he spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, implying an irreversible strain in his relationship with coach Jorge Jesus.
The Al-Nassr star appears to have played his final game for his country, as he left the team in Copenhagen to return to his base.
"Following the national team coach's press conference, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp.
"In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always been dedicated. Now it's time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception."
Elma Aveiro Releases Clear Hint of Ronaldo's Retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Elma Aveiro, has revealed a clear hint of her brother's imminent announcement of his retirement from the Portugal national team.
In a statement on her Instagram account, she called for greater respect for her brother and a better structure for the national team.
She also pointed out that Portuguese fans do not deserve to have the best, stating that they would return to the mediocrity they enjoyed before Ronaldo entered into the picture.
In conclusion, she thanked her brother for everything, indirectly pointing to the end of his international career.
"CR7 deserved more respect. The national team deserved more structure.
Portuguese journalism deserved more competence and less speculation.
As for the Portuguese people, well... they don't deserve to have the best at anything.
We are envious, disdainful, ignorant, and we deserve to return to the mediocrity we always had in football before CR7.
Thank you for everything, CR7! You deserved more!"
Aveiro has always been a vocal supporter of her brother with her posts on social media, many of which attract criticism.
She appears to have been briefed by Ronaldo that his time with the national team is up, prompting her reaction.
Cristiano Ronaldo's International Career By Numbers
Cristiano Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in 2003, when he was only 18 years old.
He has played for his country for 23 years, appearing in every major tournament since then. He helped Portugal to win Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Overall, he holds the record for the most appearances in international football (234) and the most goals in international football history (146).
He has scored ten hat-tricks in a Portugal shirt, most memorably in the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Spain.
This summer, he became the oldest player to score multiple goals in a World Cup game and eclipsed Eusebio's long-standing tally to become Portugal's leading scorer in World Cup history.
He also became the first player to score in six editions of the Mundial and his country's oldest goalscorer in the competition.
The messy nature of the end of his international career may cost him a grand farewell, but a player of his stature deserves one for what he has done for Portuguese football.
