Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on planned international retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence on his planned international retirement, revealing he had already prepared a message to Portugal supporters following the 2026 World Cup.

The Manchester United legend’s international future has been thrown into extraordinary uncertainty after he walked out of Portugal’s recent camp following a breakdown in trust with manager Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo had previously confirmed his departure from camp but stopped short of announcing his international retirement, promising supporters that he would explain everything in time.

The 41-year-old left Portugal following an emergency meeting, sparking fears that his remarkable international career could have reached an abrupt conclusion.

However, Ronaldo has now explained exactly where retirement stands.

Cristiano Ronaldo addresses Portugal retirement plan

In an extensive statement published on Tuesday and reported in full by Record Portugal, Ronaldo revealed that he prepared a letter to Portuguese supporters after the World Cup containing the words he intends to share when he eventually leaves the national team permanently.

He did not release it because Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca asked him to reconsider leaving and wanted him to continue.

Ronaldo has now made clear that retirement is not immediate.

After apologising for leaving camp, he said he expects the FPF to punish him and believes his status as captain should actually count against him rather than provide special treatment.

Crucially, Ronaldo added that after serving whatever suspension is imposed, he will remain available for Portugal provided he is physically fit, playing regularly and scoring for Al-Nassr.

He also confirmed that one or more farewell matches will eventually happen, but stressed that his current mentality remains focused on competing rather than saying goodbye.

The revelation follows Ronaldo’s previous statement explaining his decision to leave the Portugal camp.

For now, one of international football’s greatest careers is not over. Ronaldo has already written the words for that day, but he is not ready to deliver them yet.