Reinaldo Teixeira Bids Farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo as a "Symbol" of Portugal

Liga Portugal President Thanks Cristiano Ronaldo

The president of Liga Portugal, Reinaldo Teixeira, thanked Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday for his work following the announcement of his departure from the national team, describing him as a "symbol" of national identity and "a personality that transcends countries and cultures."

"Cristiano Ronaldo's journey, as a person and as a footballer, has long been intertwined with the name of Portugal. He is, and will remain for many years, a symbol of our cultural identity and of the invaluable contribution he makes to this passion shared by many millions of citizens around the world: football," the official wrote in a statement published on the sports body's website

"A Personality That Transcends Countries and Cultures"

Teixeira asserted that the Madeiran's decision to leave the national team "resonates with the feelings of many people on a global scale," since he is "a personality that transcends countries and cultures," which, in his view, should be a source of pride for the Portuguese.

He added: "What he gave us cannot fit into half a dozen lines or comments. And he will keep giving. It is my conviction that, despite having taken off the national team shirt, feeling and knowing himself to be Portuguese will be an outfit that remains on his skin and in his emotions."

"His story will be eternal," stressed Teixeira, who guaranteed that his gratitude toward him will be eternal as well.

The Announcement of His Definitive Retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo announced today his definitive retirement from the Portuguese national team with a video published on social media in which he stated that "the day has come to return the number seven shirt."

"The day has come to return the number seven shirt to the national team of all of us. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it," he said.

The Madeiran made this announcement just days after being sanctioned by the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) with a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros, the minimum provided for in the regulations, for having left the Portugal camp on September 30.

"Today the moment has come to hand (the shirt) over to the future. It was not an easy decision because there are decisions that are not made with the head alone. They are made with the head, but also with the heart. A path that began in August 2003 comes to an end," said the until-now captain of the 'quinas'. EFE

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