“I was fortunate to share the locker room and the field with some of the world's best players.”

The former international made the announcement through an emotional message on the social networks, in which he thanked all the clubs for which he evolved, but especially to the Portugal national, along with whom he lived the most intense moments.

For me, football has always been the second home. It is the place where I grew up not only as a sportsman, but also as a man. There I learned what discipline means, hard work and responsibility to represent something greater than one's own – whether we are talking about a club or a country.
I had the honor to be the captain of the club that formed me. It's a difficult privilege to describe in words. I played over 200 matches, I won two Portugal cups and three supercovers. But beyond the trophies, the most valuable thing for me was the connection I felt with the club, the supporters and the values ​​I represented.

Each match, the applause received from the stands will remain imprinted in my memory. These memories will accompany me all my life.
The representation of the national team was my dream since childhood. For me, wearing Portugal's T -shirt was never a sporting matter – it meant carrying with you the hope and pride of an entire country.

The most important moment of my career was undoubtedly winning the 2016 European Championshipwhen I wore the t -shirt with the number 23. It is a memory that brings my smile on my lips every time I think of it.
The emotion of listening to the national anthem before a match and feeling the unity of a nation is something I will never forget. He taught me what the sacrifice, the team spirit and the real impact that football can have on an entire society.

The career carried me in several countries – I played in England, France, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. In each place I encountered different challenges, lifestyles and new cultures. I learned from every experience and developed as a man.
I was fortunate to share the locker room and the ground with some of the world's best players. All these experiences formed me. Football offered me everything I have, and for that I will always be grateful.

None of this would have been possible without my family. My parents were the ones who believed in me from the first moment. My wife was with me in every change, every move to another city or country, in good times and especially in difficult ones. And my children grew up seeing me following my dream.

My family gave me the balance, power and stability I needed. Although I was on the field, this road was traveled with them.
I thank all those who were part of my career – colleagues, coaches, staff members, fans. Each of you has contributed to me and for that I have a deep respect.

I always tried to do my job seriously, to give a good example: that through work, courage and humility you can get away. I never chose the easiest way, but I tried to do what was right.
Being a footballer has been my life to this day. It was my passion and the place where I felt at home.

Today I finish this chapter of my life with a full, quiet and grateful heart. I know I gave everything I had.
Thank you for everything, football!

– was the message transmitted by Adrien Silva on social networks

Adrien Silva, holder in the 2016 final

The height of Adrien Silva's career came in 2016, when Portugal conquered the European Championship, after the 1-0 victory in the final with France, decided by Eder's goal in 109.

26of official matches has Adrien Silva in the national shirt

Captain with almost 250 matches at Sporting Lisbon

For Portuguese supporters, Adrien Silva's identity is linked to Sporting Lisbon, the club to which he grew and where he wore the captain's banner. It has evolved in no less than 240 official matches (39 goals and 19 decisive passes) and won four Portugal cups and two supercovers.

Throughout his career, Adrien Silva has checked 455 official matches, scoring 57 goals and offering 36 decisive passes. Has evolved for important clubs in Europe and Asia:

Bordeaux, Sporting, Academica Coimbra, Leicester City, Monaco, Sampdoria, Al-Wahda, Rio Ave, Maccabi Haifa and United FC.

In his career, he has passed the following trophies in the record:

• 1X European Champion – Portugal (2016)

• 4X Winner of Portugal Cup – 2007, 2008, 2012, 2015

• 2x Portugal Super Cup – 2008, 2016

• 1x Israel champion – Maccabi Haifa (2010/11)

2016The year in which Adrien Silva won Euro 2016 with Portugal