Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal that produced 146 goals and 234 caps - both world records - since his debut in 2003. The 41-year-old forward delivered the news in an Instagram video, because apparently even farewells now come with a content strategy.

"To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team," Ronaldo 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." He added that the decision was not made with the mind alone - a helpful reminder that hearts, too, occasionally file paperwork.

The exit follows a September walkout from the Portugal camp after Ronaldo was told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark. He had reportedly been unhappy at being made to warm up in the second half against Norway without being brought on - the first time he was an unused substitute for Portugal in a competitive game since 2008. When coach Jorge Jesus confirmed in a news conference that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark, Ronaldo left the camp and issued a lengthy statement insisting he was not retiring and that Jesus had twice "broke his word." Jesus said the door remained open; the Portugal Football Federation (PFF) fined Ronaldo £215 and suspended him for 30 days - a period that conveniently included no Portugal games.

On Friday, Portugal will announce their squad for this month's Nations League fixtures against Denmark at home and Wales away. The PFF said it would not "let this farewell take place without due tribute," adding in a statement: "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 played in six European Championships, finishing as runner-up in 2004 and winning the competition in 2016. He featured in his sixth World Cup this summer, where Portugal lost to eventual champions Spain in the last 16, and his performances drew media criticism, with many observers questioning whether he remained a force at international level. His great rival Lionel Messi retired from international football on an emotional night in front of an 85,000-strong crowd in Buenos Aires in October - because apparently the two of them cannot do anything without it becoming a parallel.