Portugal are preparing a special farewell for Cristiano Ronaldo following the end of his illustrious 23-year international career.
The Portuguese national team will pay tribute to their former captain through several special arrangements before and during Saturday’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
According to Portuguese newspaper Diário de Notícias, all Portugal players will wear Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt when they take the field against Denmark. The legendary forward wore the number for most of his international career.
The decision was reportedly made during a meeting involving Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, national team coach Jorge Jesus and senior players, including Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes.
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The tribute will continue during the match. Supporters at Braga’s Estádio Municipal are expected to stand and applaud in the seventh minute to honour the former captain.
Portugal have reportedly received UEFA’s approval for the special arrangements. Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt has become inseparable from his identity following his remarkable achievements for both club and country.
Ronaldo’s Dressing-Room Space to Remain Empty
The Portuguese Football Federation has also decided to preserve another symbolic reminder of the football icon.
The room Ronaldo used at the national team’s training centre, Cidade do Futebol, will temporarily remain vacant. The initiative aims to preserve the memories of his presence with the national team during the first international break following his retirement.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, bringing an end to a journey that began in August 2003.
He leaves the national team as Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer.
During his international career, Ronaldo made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal, establishing records that have defined an extraordinary era in the country’s football history.
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