Jorge Jesus reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal national team, Digi Mart USA News (Portugal): Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has broken his silence after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the national team, revealing that he had tried to persuade the forward to continue representing his country despite recent clashes between the two.
In an interview with the Portuguese channel Canal 11, the 72-year-old coach said he still considered the veteran striker part of his project toward the 2030 World Cup, but made clear he would respect Ronaldo’s decision to end a 23-year international career. Speaking in a more conciliatory tone than during their recent dispute, Jesus said: “I asked him to stay, to stay with me because I needed him at my side, but I have to accept his decision.”
Jesus also said the two had discussed Ronaldo’s future before his first call-up. “The decision is his and it must be accepted,” he added, publicly ruling out any attempt to challenge the forward’s choice.
The coach praised Ronaldo’s record, which includes 234 matches, 146 goals and three international titles, and said he had placed a photograph of the forward in the auditorium of the Portuguese Football Federation so that young players could learn from his example. “He is a symbol for Portuguese youth,” Jesus said, citing Ronaldo’s discipline, professionalism and competitive drive.
He also recalled coaching Ronaldo during his time at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The retirement comes weeks after a serious controversy between the two. The dispute began on September 27, when Ronaldo remained on the bench during the match against Norway despite warming up for about half an hour.
He later left the team camp on September 30, before the match against Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros.
Ronaldo acknowledged that leaving the camp was a mistake, though he also questioned Jesus’s decisions and said an agreement regarding his participation had not been honored.
On Thursday, November 5, Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal at age 41 in an emotional video thanking teammates, coaches and fans for their support over more than two decades. Jesus said he had set aside their differences and recognized the importance of a figure who helped shape the history of Portuguese football.
