Portugal's Football Federation (FPF) paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the national team captain announced his retirement from international duty after 23 years of service.
"The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest and most enduring gratitude to its eternal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo," a statement said. "It is with a sense of deep gratitude and immense admiration that the Portuguese Football Federation publicly pays tribute to and thanks Cristiano Ronaldo for his absolutely extraordinary career in the service of our country.
"More than just an outstanding athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, a model of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the spirit of our national team.
"Throughout a legendary international career, marked by 234 caps and 146 goals scored, the captain carried the nation on his shoulders, broke records and led the team to achievements that will forever be etched in the history of Portuguese football.
"Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal and every captain's armband he wore with honour on the pitch reflected his unconditional love for our shirt.
"His commitment and his legacy extend far beyond the four lines of the pitch."
The FPF also thanked Ronaldo for making the country's name prominent around the world:
"Cristiano Ronaldo has raised Portugal's profile and inspired generations of young people who dream of following in his footsteps," the statement read. "For many of us, he is the greatest player of all time!"
The FPF announced it plans to pay tribute to Ronaldo at a later date.
"It is our firm and wholehearted intention to organise, plan, participate in and actively collaborate on what will always be a tribute worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo's immense career, in which the fans and the country can once again applaud and celebrate the player who has given us so much," the statement said.
- Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international duty after Portugal boss fall-out
- Portugal, Man United, Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo's long history of rows with coaches
- Why Cristiano Ronaldo's 982nd career goal should be an own goal
The FPF also encouraged Ronaldo to continue in his path of reaching 1,000 career goals.
Ronaldo recently scored his 985th goal of his career -- meaning that he is just 15 goals shy of reaching that unprecedented milestone.
"Let's go for goal number 1,000!!!" the FPF wrote.
During the last international break, Ronaldo walked out on the Portugal national team following a fall-out with head coach Jorge Jesus. Last month, he was fined €255 ($285.90) and handed a 30-day suspension by the FPF for his actions.
Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro thanked Ronaldo for his international career. He wrote on X: "Cristiano, T H A N K Y O U What you achieved on the pitch for Portugal will echo through eternity. And now, off the pitch, you will continue to represent Portugal to the world."