The key facts

  • Ronaldo announced his departure from the national team on November 5: 234 matches and 146 goals — world records among men's national team footballers
  • Bruno Fernandes thanked Ronaldo and called him his childhood idol
  • The Portuguese federation plans a separate farewell ceremony

Farewell to the captain

On November 5, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team. Bruno Fernandes was among the first to say goodbye to him, leaving an emotional message under Ronaldo's post. reports Life.ru.

Why these words matter

For the 32-year-old midfielder, the farewell carries special symbolism: he grew up already in the Ronaldo era and later managed to play alongside him not only for the national team but also for Manchester United. In recent months, it was Fernandes who increasingly wore the national team's captain's armband. Back in October, he emphasized that Ronaldo, regardless of the conflict with the coaching staff, would remain the main symbol of the Portuguese team and one of the most important players in the country's history.

Results and what comes next

For the national team, Ronaldo played 234 matches and scored 146 goals — both figures are world records among men's national team footballers. The Portuguese federation has already announced that it intends to organize a separate farewell ceremony for the former captain. The reasons for his departure and the circumstances that preceded it are examined in a separate Life.ru article; the final details of the ceremony have not yet been announced.