Portugal FA to change No. 7 jersey design as tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portugal Football Association has announced a change to the design on the No. 7 jersey as way of paying tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo's career. 

The change will be on display for their Nations League game against Denmark on Saturday, which will be Portugal's first since Ronaldo's retirement. 

Ronaldo called time on his storied international career earlier this month, finishing as his country's leading goalscorer and appearance maker with 146 goals in 234 matches. 

"The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has decided that, starting with today's game against Denmark, corresponding to the 5th round of the Nations League, the number 7 jersey of the National Team, which belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo for so many years, will have a different graphic design, with a different number 7 as well.

"This is yet another way to immortalize the meaning of such a special number and honor the legacy it represents," the Portugal FA said in a statement.

"Because there are stories, memories, achievements, and emotions that will forever be linked to Cristiano Ronaldo."

"From today onwards, we will have a different number 7 on the jersey, but with the same essence and the same pride, reserving the previous one for the immortalization of a story that will never be forgotten."

FIFA stipulations mean Portugal cannot retire the No. 7 jersey so their new design on the number includes a little cross to draw a line after Ronaldo's career. 

Rafael Leão wore the No. 7 jersey for Portugal in their previous match against Denmark after Ronaldo left the national team camp abruptly. However, a permanent successor is yet to be announced. 

The 41-year-old Ronaldo quit on Nov. 5 after falling out with coach Jorge Jesus. His last appearance with Portugal was Sept. 24 in a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League.

Jesus kept him on the bench for the following match and said he didn't plan to start him in the next one, so the superstar forward decided to leave the team's training camp.

Jesus later said Ronaldo would be welcome back and the decision to return was up to him.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.