Jorge Jesus Breaks Silence on Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal are entering a new era without Cristiano Ronaldo. Jorge Jesus admitted that he expected to call the forward back into the national team but insisted that he respects his decision to end a remarkable 23-year international career.
For the first time since taking charge, Jorge Jesus announced a Portugal squad knowing that Cristiano Ronaldo would never wear the national team's shirt again.
The 41-year-old forward announced his international retirement on Thursday, bringing an end to a 23-year journey that forever changed Portuguese football.
Although the announcement came just one day before the squad selection for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales in the UEFA Nations League, the manager acknowledged that Ronaldo remained part of his plans.
"I thought he would return. I certainly intended to call him up," Jesus explained during his press conference.
The Portuguese coach insisted that he had not ruled the forward out of his sporting project and that his retirement was a personal decision deserving respect.
Their relationship had become strained during the previous international break, when Ronaldo left the national team camp following a disagreement with the manager over his playing time.
The incident resulted in a 30-day suspension and a fine imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation. However, after serving his punishment, the forward was once again eligible for selection.
Instead, he decided that his international journey had reached its conclusion.
Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Behind a Historic Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo's achievements extend far beyond his recent disagreements with the coaching staff.
Since making his international debut in August 2003, the legendary forward has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances, establishing records that place him among the greatest international players in football history.
During his time with Portugal, he won Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.
He also appeared in six World Cups, becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the competition.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo explained that the time had come to pass the national team's iconic No. 7 shirt to a new generation.
The Portuguese Football Federation, led by Pedro Proença, has confirmed plans to honor his extraordinary career, although no date has been announced.
Ronaldo will continue playing at club level with Al-Nassr, meaning his decision marks the end of his international career rather than his retirement from professional football.
Portugal Begin a New Era Without Their All-Time Leading Scorer
Rather than prolonging the controversy, Jorge Jesus insisted that he holds no resentment toward the forward and defended the decisions he made during their time together.
The manager maintained that his priority had always been the interests of the national team and rejected suggestions that he was responsible for Ronaldo's retirement.
His challenge now is to build a team capable of competing without the player who defined Portuguese football for more than two decades.
The latest squad includes newcomers Gustavo Varela and Alberto Costa, while promising youngsters Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda provide additional attacking options.
The experience of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias will be crucial as Portugal navigate this transition.
Already qualified for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, Portugal will host Denmark in Braga on November 14 before traveling to Cardiff to face Wales on November 17.
These will be their first matches since Ronaldo's retirement announcement, and his absence will inevitably define the beginning of a new chapter.
The No. 7 shirt may now be available, but replacing the man who wore it will be a much greater challenge.
After 23 years, Portugal must learn to compete without the player who transformed their footballing history.
Key Takeaways
- Jorge Jesus admitted that he expected to recall Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced his international retirement on November 5.
- Ronaldo leaves Portugal after 234 appearances, 146 goals, and three major international trophies.
- Portugal will face Denmark and Wales in the UEFA Nations League, beginning a new chapter without their legendary captain.
