The Portugal coach valued the striker as a historic reference for Portuguese football and youth, and assured that he will respect his decision to leave the national team
“Cris is a global reference, a reference for Portugal, a reference for the national team. He is a player who has given so much to the national team over the years”, he stated.
Jesus highlighted that Ronaldo is “a symbol for Portuguese youth”, especially because of the number of young followers he has.
The tribute he ordered to be installed in the auditorium
The coach revealed that he arranged to place a large photograph of Cristiano Ronaldo in the auditorium of the Portuguese national team. The space is regularly used by players and coaching staff.
He aims for the players and staff to keep the captain in mind as a reference figure.
“He will always be in the hearts of the Portuguese, in the national team”, Jesus stated, before emphasizing that he will always be a reference in his country's football.
The numbers of a historic career with Portugal
Cristiano bids farewell with 234 matches and 146 goals, two international records in men's football. He debuted in 2003 and was captain of the team that won the Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
He also participated in six World Cups and scored goals in each of them. His retirement pertains to the national team, not professional football: he will remain linked to Al-Nassr.
Now, Jorge Jesus will have to face the next stage of Portugal without his emblematic number 7. The coach made it clear that, despite the argument they went through, Ronaldo's figure will remain present in the memory of the national team and its fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell from the Portugal National Team added an emotional chapter this Thursday, November 5. Jorge Jesus, the current coach of the Portuguese team, acknowledged that he tried to convince the 41-year-old forward to continue representing his country, but he assured that he respects his determination.
The announcement marks the end of 23 years of international career, preceded by recent differences with the coaching staff.
Jorge Jesus acknowledged that he wanted to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement
In statements to Canal 11 of Portugal, the coach recalled that the player's continuity had been a topic of conversation even before his first call-up at the helm of the national team.
“I asked him to continue, to continue with me because I needed to have him by my side, but I have to accept his decision”, he expressed.
Jesus took over the management of Portugal in July, after the 2026 World Cup, replacing Roberto Martínez. He sought to count on his experience and leadership.
“It’s his decision”, insisted the coach, who avoided publicly questioning the farewell.
The heated argument that preceded the captain's departure
The relationship between the two went through moments of tension during the previous international break. Ronaldo left a Portugal training camp at the end of September after disagreements with Jesus regarding his participation in the matches.
The Portuguese Football Federation imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine. There were later attempts at reconciliation, and his call-up was reconsidered.
However, the forward confirmed his decision to close his chapter with the Portuguese jersey. Although the conflict was an important precedent, Jesus emphasized that the final resolution belongs exclusively to the player.
A symbol for young Portuguese
Despite the differences, the coach dedicated words of recognition to his former player, with whom he had also worked for a year at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
