The Portuguese Football Federation released an official statement following Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo's announcement on Thursday that he would be retiring from international football.
Portugal's captain brought his international career to an end in a surprising turn of events, having previously maintained that he wanted to continue playing. He follows his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who stepped away from international football approximately a month earlier.
The Portuguese Federation said in its statement: "The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest and most sincere gratitude to its eternal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced today his definitive retirement from the national team."
It went on to say: "With a profound sense of gratitude and immense admiration, the Portuguese Football Federation publicly commends and thanks Cristiano Ronaldo for the exceptional career with which he served our country."
The statement further noted: "Our captain was not merely an outstanding athlete, but an inspiring leader, an example of dedication, and the perfect symbol of the spirit of our national team. Throughout a legendary international career, marked by 234 international matches and 146 goals, the captain carried the country on his shoulders, broke records, and led the team to moments that will remain etched in the history of our national football forever."
It also stated: "Every drop of sweat, every decisive goal, and every captain's armband he wore with pride on the pitch reflects his absolute love for our shirt."
The statement continued: "His dedication and legacy go beyond the boundaries of the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo raised 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!"
It added: "For this reason, the Portuguese Football Federation refuses to allow this farewell to take place without a fitting tribute. It is our firm and great wish to organise, plan, participate in and actively collaborate on what will always serve as a fitting tribute to the great career of Cristiano Ronaldo, where the fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who gave us so much."
The statement ended with the following words: "Thank you for everything, captain, this will always be your home, let us go on towards the goal of 1000."