Former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has sent Cristiano Ronaldo a message after the forward announced his retirement from international football. In a video cited by Tuổi Trẻ, the Brazilian coach said his former player had made the right decision.
Scolari gave Ronaldo his senior Portugal debut in 2003. His message was a personal response to the player’s announcement and reflected on the time they worked together.
Remembering the start
Tuổi Trẻ reported that Scolari described Ronaldo as one of the most professional players he had coached. He praised the forward’s talent, effort and character, and wished him well for the next stage of his career.
Recalling how he came to notice Ronaldo, Scolari credited his assistant Flavio Murtosa. The former coach said his colleague helped him watch the young player from Madeira and recognise his qualities, according to the newspaper.
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut on 20 August 2003 in a 1-0 friendly win over Kazakhstan in Chaves. He was 18, had just moved from Sporting to Manchester United and came on in the second half under Scolari.
A 23-year international career
During Scolari’s Portugal tenure from 2003 to 2008, the pair reached the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals. Those tournaments came early in the international career that Ronaldo has now brought to a close.
Tuổi Trẻ recorded 234 Portugal appearances and 146 goals, alongside titles at Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. In his 5 November farewell message, Ronaldo said it was time to pass the number seven shirt to the next generation.
The announcement concerned the Portugal national team. The newspaper said he would continue playing club football for Al Nassr.