Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he was retiring from international football.
The 41-year-old, who has played 234 times for Portugal and scored 146 goals, fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus last month after he refused to use him in a Nations League match and left the team camp.
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“The day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” he said on Instagram.
“I never thought it belonged to me alone. But for 23 years, I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
The 41-year-old abruptly left the Portugal camp on September 30 during the UEFA Nations League, before accusing the coach of breaking his word about giving him game time.
Ronaldo apologised to supporters earlier in October, adding he would accept any punishment that was imposed.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was suspended for 30 days and given a fine of 255 euros (A$410).
That gives him the ability to return for Nations League group matches against Denmark on November 14 and then Wales on November 17.