Fernandes and Manchester United salute Ronaldo after Portugal retirement

Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes paid tribute after Ronaldo ended his Portugal career, recognising the record and the influence behind it.

Manchester United joined the tributes after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal, while Bruno Fernandes described the forward as his childhood idol. United’s message congratulated Ronaldo on an international career that ended with records for goals and appearances in the men's game.

Fernandes thanks his childhood idol

Fernandes wrote that it had been a privilege to share moments with his idol in the national team. The midfielder and Ronaldo played together for Portugal and Manchester United, linking a personal tribute to a relationship that spanned club and country.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand also congratulated Ronaldo, pointing to the 146 goals and three major international trophies. Diogo Dalot, another United teammate, thanked him for making supporters dream and believe.

A record career recognised by his former club

United’s tribute noted that Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and leaves with 234 senior appearances. He helped Portugal reach the Euro 2004 final, captained the team to Euro 2016 and later lifted Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

The Portugal chapter closes; the club career continues

Ronaldo’s retirement applies to international football. He remains an Al-Nassr player, and his club career continues. The distinction was central to his farewell message, which presented the decision as the end of a 23-year Portugal journey rather than an end to playing.

The tributes focused on more than the statistics. For Fernandes, the story began with admiration for a Portuguese star who had already become a global name. For United, it was a chance to acknowledge the player who first arrived at Old Trafford as a teenager and later returned as one of football’s defining forwards.