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Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Portuguese national team left his personal room at the Cidade do Futebol training camp completely empty, according to a report by A Bola.
The veteran forward announced his retirement from international football last week, bringing a close to a 23-year career representing Portugal that yielded 234 appearances and 146 goals, as reported by Mercado e Eventos.
While spending time in Portugal away from club commitments, Ronaldo’s family offered glimpses into his routine. His sister, Elma Aveiro, shared social media footage of the player competing in a padel match, writing that he was simply playing “another championship,” according to TVI. The broadcaster also highlighted an emotional farewell message published by the player last week.
“And to the Portuguese, to all Portuguese scattered around the world, I want to tell you one last thing,” Ronaldo wrote in his statement, recalling the unifying atmosphere of hearing the national anthem. “During those minutes we stop being different. There are no clubs, there are no colors, there are no classes, there are no professions, there are no opinions. There is only one passion: Portugal.”
Speaking on the podcast The Rest is Football, former England international Gary Lineker suggested that the intense spotlight eventually weighed heavily on the player.
“I suppose if he looks back at the way it all panned out, he’ll be disappointed,” Lineker said, as reported by Notícias ao Minuto. Lineker added that he hopes Ronaldo eventually receives a formal domestic farewell comparable to the tribute organized by Argentina for Lionel Messi.
Speaking on the same podcast, former Manchester City player Micah Richards argued that managers needed to assume greater responsibility regarding playing time during major tournaments. “If you think he’s not good enough to go to the World Cup, don’t take him,” Richards told Notícias ao Minuto, emphasizing the challenge coaches face in managing legendary competitors.
SAPO reported commentary regarding the potential rise of Ronaldo’s eldest son within Portugal’s youth setup, raising questions about whether a second “CR7” could eventually feature for the Seleção das Quinas. Meanwhile, the Portuguese Football Federation organized formal tributes ahead of recent UEFA Nations League fixtures, acknowledging a career that defined a generation of European football.
How many international appearances did Cristiano Ronaldo make for Portugal?
Ronaldo accumulated 234 appearances and scored 146 goals across 23 years with the senior national team, according to records cited by Mercado e Eventos.
What specific tribute did Transavia launch for the player?
The airline removed seat 7C from its aircraft operating regular flights to Funchal, Madeira, linking his famous shirt number to his birthplace, as reported by Mercado e Eventos and SAPO.
Where is Portugal’s national training headquarters located?
The senior squad trains at the Cidade do Futebol facility in Oeiras, near Lisbon, where Ronaldo’s residential room was left vacant following his announcement, according to A Bola.
