Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday that he was retiring from international football.

The 41-year-old, who has played 234 times for Portugal and scored 146 goals, fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus last month after he refused to use him in a Nations League match. Ronaldo immediately left the team camp.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” he continued.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has candidly admitted feeling hurt after being informed by the club last season that they had no immediate plans to extend his contract.

Despite the rejection, the Argentina international, who has impressed under Andoni Iraola this season with four goals and an assist, remains determined to commit his future to the Anfield club.

Speaking with Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, Mac Allister expressed appreciation for the supporters while addressing his contract status.

“I feel that affection from the fans, and that’s something incredible for me… Obviously winning a Premier League title with this club is something very special,” he said.

“Last season I was told that the club’s idea was not to renew it, at least for now. And obviously, that was a painful, unpleasant situation.”

With a year and a half remaining on his deal, the midfielder believes his recent high-level performances and structural changes at the club could pave the way for contract negotiations to resume.

Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have reached the final of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final.

The Flamingos secured the historic victory with goals from Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, who scored twice.

Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Bashiru extended Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute.

Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute to seal Nigeria’s 3-1 victory and book their place in the final.

The achievement marks a major milestone for the Nigerian side, who won bronze at the 2022 edition of the competition.

The Flamingos will now face Japan in the final as they seek to win their first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria Beat Brazil To Reach First U17 Women World Cup final

Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have reached the final of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final.

The Flamingos secured the historic victory with goals from Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, who scored twice.

Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Bashiru extended Nigeria’s lead in the 71st minute.

Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute to seal Nigeria’s 3-1 victory and book their place in the final.

The achievement marks a major milestone for the Nigerian side, who won bronze at the 2022 edition of the competition.

The Flamingos will now face Japan in the final as they seek to win their first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup title.