Portugal honours Cristiano Ronaldo after international retirement

Portugal paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo before their Nations League match against Denmark in Braga, days after the record goalscorer announced his retirement from international football.

Portugal’s players walked on to the pitch wearing number-seven shirts, Ronaldo’s number, before kick-off. Supporters also wore shirts bearing the number, which has been taken over in the national team by former Ajax forward Carlos Forbs. In the seventh minute, the crowd applauded Ronaldo, who scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

The tribute followed Ronaldo’s announcement earlier this month that he was leaving the national side after 23 years. He had said it was time to pass on the number-seven shirt.

Ronaldo’s exit came after he left Portugal’s squad on 30 September, a day before an away match against Denmark. He accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice, later apologised for his behaviour and said he remained available for Portugal. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255; the suspension expired at the end of October, so he missed no international matches because of it.

Ronaldo will continue playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr. Portugal’s tribute report said he was expected to receive a farewell match, but did not give a date.