Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career with Portugal.

The 41-year-old forward leaves the international stage as his country's record appearance-maker and goalscorer, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances since making his debut in August 2003.

Ronaldo confirmed the news in an emotional video shared on Instagram, describing the decision as one that was not easy to make.

His announcement brings the curtain down on an international career that included winning the European Championship in 2016 and establishing himself as one of the most influential players in Portugal's history.

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms Portugal retirement in emotional message

Ronaldo announced that the time had come to hand over Portugal's number seven shirt, which he had worn with pride for more than two decades.

"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," he said.

"I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

"Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone - they are also made with the heart.

"A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end."

Ronaldo's international career began as a teenager and developed into one of the most decorated in the history of the national team.

He captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016, while his 146 goals and 234 appearances leave him at the top of the men's international records.

His retirement comes after a difficult period surrounding his involvement with the national team. In September, Ronaldo walked out of Portugal's camp after being informed that he would not start their Nations League fixture against Denmark.

However, his latest announcement brings a definitive end to his time representing his country.

Portugal plan tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after international retirement

The Portuguese Football Federation has already made clear that it wants to ensure Ronaldo receives an appropriate farewell.

With Portugal due to announce their squad for November's Nations League fixtures on Friday, attention will now turn towards how the federation plans to celebrate the forward's contribution.

Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark at home before travelling to Wales, with the federation expressing its desire to involve supporters and the wider country in a tribute to their record goalscorer.

In a statement, the federation said: "It is our firm and immense desire to organise, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo's immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much."

Ronaldo's announcement also comes shortly after his great rival Lionel Messi retired from international football in October, marking the end of another defining chapter in modern football.

For Portugal, however, the focus will be on celebrating a player who transformed their international history. From his debut in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, Ronaldo leaves behind a legacy defined by records, goals and a lasting impact on the national team.