Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he is retiring from international football after a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus over a suspension [1][2].

What happened

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football in an Instagram video posted on a Thursday [1][3]. The 41-year-old made the announcement the day before Portugal coach Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for this month's Nations League fixtures [1].

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Jesus said Ronaldo gave him no prior notice of the decision. 'I found out when we all did,' he said [1]. Jesus was Ronaldo's club coach at Al-Nassr last season, and said he had been set to select the forward, whom he described as in form [1]. Ronaldo had been available again after serving a 30-day suspension from international duty, a period that included no national team games [1].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not say why people in Kenya are searching for this story, and they do not mention Kenya. What they do explain is the background to the retirement.

According to BBC Sport, the fallout with Jesus was resolved with a sanction of 30 days, which had already been served, and a fine of 255 euros [2]. The punishment was for Ronaldo leaving the team's training camp without permission. Jesus kept him on the bench for one match and said he did not plan to start him in the next, so Ronaldo went home [2]. One report says he had left the camp in September after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark four days later [1].

Guillem Balague, writing for BBC Sport, describes the end of Ronaldo's international career as bitter, and contrasts it with Leo Messi, who left Argentina with the nation applauding him [2].

Key facts

• Ronaldo is 41 and is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner [1].
• He announced his international retirement after 23 years [2].
• He ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 games [2].
• His last appearance was on 24 September against Wales [2].
• The sanction was a 30-day suspension, already served, plus a fine of 255 euros [2].
• The announcement was made on Instagram [1][3].

What to watch

The sources do not say who Portugal will select for the Nations League fixtures, or whether Ronaldo will play for his country again. Balague's analysis asks what is next for the player, but the extract provided does not set out what that is [2].

Sources

1. [1] Portugal coach 'knew nothing' about Ronaldo retiring - Nairobi Tea
2. [2] A bitter end for Ronaldo - the icon who transformed Portugal - Nairobi Tea
3. [3] Ronaldo announces international retirement on Instagram! - Nairobi Tea

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.