“I came here to announce the end of a cycle. It was, without a doubt, an incredible, unforgettable journey. (...) I said that the Worlds would be my last competition for the national team, whatever the outcome. Fortunately, I think this story ends the best way. With a lot of regret, I'm going to say goodbye to the national team, which is the most difficult decision I've made in my career”, said the forward, at a press conference held in Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras.

Ricardinho, 36 years old, is the only player to be elected as the best futsal player in the world six times (2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018), by the Futsal Planet portal. He played in 187 games and scored 141 goals in the national team where he made his debut in June 2003, in a victory over Andorra (8-4), in Tavira.

Ricardinho has won more than 30 collective trophies, including three editions of the UEFA Futsal Cup, one at Benfica and two in the Madrid, and has received multiple individual distinctions, such as best player at the 2007 and 2018 European Championships and at the 2021 World Cup.