On May 28, 2023, João Mario announced his international retirement, after wearing the Seleção shirt for more than nine years, in a total of 56 matches. The UEFA Euro 2016 and 2019 Nations League winner, the man who currently plays for Benfica, went back in detail to the reasons that led him to make the decision. This decisionIn an interview with Portuguese journalist Pedro Pinto for the podcast 1 paragraph 1 : ” It was a difficult decision. However, it is not because I am no longer in the selection that I am no longer Portuguese. I always support the team. I don't have anything against anyone, whether it's the federation or my former teammates. I made this decision because I believe I can give a lot to the club and my family. »
Words consistent with his statement to the newspaper “E Bola” last June, in which he expressed his regret for his wasted time playing, despite what he considered to be at the peak of his career. He later indicated that he preferred to devote himself full time to his club.
