Mike Phelan, who coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, has congratulated him after he retired from international football today.

Ronaldo, 41, announced the decision on social media with the caption "Portugal will always be in me."

He played for his country for 23 years, winning 243 caps and scoring a record 146 goals. He won Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.

Phelan knew Ronaldo when he first arrived at the club as a young player and worked with him again years later.

He said:

“When I think of the young Cristiano Ronaldo arriving at Manchester United, I remember a player with huge ability and plenty of self-belief. His ambition was obvious to everyone around him. He wanted to be the best in the world, and he wanted it in every match and every training session.

“Our job as coaches was to help him develop that talent, challenge him and give him the tools to fulfil his potential. What he went on to achieve came down to his own drive and determination.

“Years later I had the chance to work with him again at United. He had become a global icon, broken records and won the biggest prizes in football, yet he was still the same competitor I'd known at the start, with the same desire to win.

“People will talk about the goals, the trophies and the records he has set for Portugal, and they're right to. But what I value most is the example he has set. Talent is never enough, standards matter, success takes sacrifice, and whatever you've achieved there is always a reason to keep pushing yourself.

“He has played for Portugal for a very long time, led his country to international success and inspired a lot of young players. I've seen his journey from two very different points, and I'm proud to have played a small part in it.

“Cristiano, congratulations on an outstanding international career.”