Portugal rejects CR7's withdrawal: "We don't accept such a farewell, we need one last match"

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the national team and the Portuguese Football Federation has reacted with this statement: “The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest and permanent gratitude to its eternal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who today announced his final retirement from the national team. With a deep sense of gratitude and immense admiration, the Portuguese Football Federation publicly appreciates and thanks Cristiano Ronaldo for his extraordinary career in the service of our country. Beyond the fact that he is an extraordinary athlete, our captain is a charismatic leader, an example of dedication and the most representative symbol of the spirit of our national team. During a legendary international career, characterized by 234 appearances and 146 goals, the captain has carried the nation on his shoulders, broken records and led the team to moments that will remain forever engraved in the history of national football. Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal and every captain's armband proudly worn on the pitch reflected his love of unconditionally for our jersey. His dedication and legacy go beyond the four lines of the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo has elevated the name of Portugal and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps. For many of us, he is the best player of all time!

Then came the announcement of the organization of a farewell match, so that fans would have the opportunity to give CR7 a final farewell: "Therefore, the Portuguese Football Federation refuses to allow this farewell to happen without the proper respect. It is our unwavering and great desire to organize, plan, participate and actively collaborate in what will always be a worthy tribute to the extraordinary career of Cristiano Ronaldo, where the fans and the country will be able to applaud and celebrate once again the player who has given us so much."

In the end, the federation conveyed its thanks and motivation to reach the goal of 1,000 career goals, which Ronaldo, at this point, can only pursue with the Al Nassr jersey: "Thank you for everything, Captain! This will always be your home! Let's aim to reach the goal of 1,000 goals!!!".