Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal team-mate Rafa Silva has retired from international football having made 25 appearances for his country.
Benfica forward Silva was part of the squads that won Euro 2016 and the 2018-19 Nations League, while he was also called up for the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2020.
An impressive start to the club season, in which he has scored four goals in seven league matches, earned him a call-up for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Czech Republic and Spain.
But the 29-year-old has instead retired from international football, stating he was calling it quits for “personal reasons” and describing it as an “honest and right decision”.
Silva went on to say: “The national team will continue to bring joy to the Portuguese, from the very beginning in the League of Nations and the 2022 World Cup.”
The Portuguese Football Federation added: “The FPF Board respects the decision taken by Rafa, who with us lived the two biggest achievements of the national team, Euro 2016 and the League of Nations.
“Rafa will forever be one of ours and he deserves our recognition and thanks.”
O
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.