Cristiano Ronaldo gets a special surprise from an airline as they retire his seat number
An airline has done something special after Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football.
On Thursday, Ronaldo announced he played his last game for Portugal following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. During the last international break, Ronaldo was left on the bench for the whole 2-1 win over Norway and ended up leaving the team camp early. The Portuguese Football Federation fined and suspended him, but Ronaldo shared a strong 1,740-word statement confirming his retirement, finishing with 146 goals and 234 appearances.
Ronaldo, who also posted a five-minute video about his decision, doesn’t look like he will get a farewell match. However, the Dutch airline Transavia has paid tribute in a unique way. Transavia flies to 110 spots in Europe and North Africa, including Ronaldo’s hometown of Funchal in Madeira. To honor his retirement, the airline has taken seat 7C off their flights to Funchal.
On their Instagram, they wrote: “CR7 hangs up the shoes, our seats numbered 7C are now also removed for our flights to Funchal.” The post showed Ronaldo’s Portugal No.7 jersey hanging on the aisle seat, which now can’t be booked.
Coach Jesus, reacting for the first time, said, “Maybe things happened fast, but not because of me. Ronaldo already knew this day was coming. It was bound to happen while I was coach. I don’t feel guilty. I respect his choice and all he did for the national team. Over this year and a half, we became good friends. From a sports side, I respect his decision.”
The No.7 shirt is famous because Ronaldo wore it with pride for Portugal. Even with Transavia’s tribute, Portugal can’t officially retire the number because FIFA rules say national team numbers from 1-26 have to be used in competitive games.
Lionel Messi also retired from international football with Argentina, but since their next matches are friendlies, they didn’t give his No.10 shirt to anyone yet. Portugal’s next games are in the Nations League, so someone else will wear the No.7. For the last two matches, Galatasaray’s winger Rafael Leao has worn it.