Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that he personally urged Cristiano Ronaldo to reconsider his decision to retire from international football, admitting that he wanted the veteran forward to remain part of the national team. However, Jesus has made it clear that Ronaldo’s departure is entirely his own decision and that he has no choice but to respect it.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday (5 November) in a video shared on social media. Addressing his supporters through a letter read aloud in the recording, the Portuguese superstar confirmed that he would no longer represent his country at international level. The announcement marked a significant moment for Portuguese football and prompted widespread discussion about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Attention has particularly focused on the recent disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus, which emerged during the September international break. Ronaldo was left out of Portugal’s starting line-up for their Nations League match against Norway. He was not brought on as a substitute either, leaving the experienced forward on the sidelines throughout the contest.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo’s reaction attracted attention. While his team-mates went towards the supporters to acknowledge their encouragement, he headed directly to the dressing room rather than joining them.
The situation became more complicated ahead of Portugal’s subsequent match against Denmark. After learning that he would again be excluded from the starting line-up, Ronaldo left the team camp in Copenhagen. He also accused Jesus of failing to honour a promise made to him. The Portugal captain later acknowledged that his behaviour had been inappropriate and admitted his mistake. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently imposed a temporary suspension on him following the incident.
These developments fuelled speculation that the disagreement with Jesus might have influenced Ronaldo’s decision to end his international career. However, the Portugal manager has insisted that the retirement decision belongs entirely to the player and should not be interpreted simply as a consequence of their recent differences.
Speaking to the Portuguese Football Federation’s television channel, Canal 11, Jesus disclosed that he had spoken to Ronaldo about the matter before announcing his first squad. He admitted that he had tried to persuade the forward to continue playing for Portugal because he believed his presence remained important to the team.
‘It is entirely his decision. We had the opportunity to speak about it before the first squad announcement. I asked him to stay, to remain alongside me, because I needed him by my side. But I have to respect his decision,’ Jesus said.
Despite the disagreement, Jesus spoke highly of Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football and his influence on younger generations. He described the forward as an example for the world, his country and the national team, emphasising that his importance extends well beyond his performances on the pitch.
The Portugal manager also referred to his experience of working with Ronaldo for a year at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. That period, he suggested, gave him an opportunity to appreciate the forward not only as a footballer but also as a prominent figure whose influence reaches supporters across different generations.
‘He is an example for the world, for Portugal and for the national team. He is a player who has given so much to the national side over many years. He is a symbol for young Portuguese people, and most of his supporters are young. I had the experience of working with him for a year at Al Nassr. He will always remain an exceptional example for our national team, our people and our history,’ Jesus said.
Jesus has also taken a personal initiative to ensure that Ronaldo’s contribution is remembered at the Portuguese Football Federation’s headquarters. A large photograph of the forward has been placed in the federation’s auditorium, where young visitors and staff members can see it during their daily visits.
Explaining the gesture, Jesus said: ‘There is a large photograph of him in our auditorium so that all the young people and colleagues who come there every day can see his image.’
Ronaldo’s retirement represents the end of an important chapter in Portugal’s football history. Over many years, he became one of the most influential figures to wear the national shirt, earning recognition for his performances, leadership and lasting impact on the country’s sporting identity.
Although the recent tension between the player and his coach attracted considerable attention, Jesus’s remarks underline the respect he continues to hold for Ronaldo. The manager wanted the forward to stay, but ultimately accepts that the decision was his to make. Even without further international appearances, Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football is expected to remain an enduring part of the country’s sporting legacy.
