Jorge Jesus had not given up hope of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo wear the Portugal shirt again. Even after their public dispute, the Portugal coach believed the country’s greatest goalscorer would return to the national team.
However, Ronaldo ended those hopes on Thursday when he announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41.
Speaking on Friday after announcing his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, Jesus admitted that he had expected to work with Ronaldo again.
“Of course I thought he would come back, of course I thought I would call him up, of course I thought I would speak with him, but you have to respect him,” Jesus said.
“He decided that it was the moment to leave the national team.”
Ronaldo leaves international football with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He made his debut in 2003 and went on to become the most capped player in men’s international football.
His final months with Portugal were marked by a dispute with Jesus.
The relationship broke down in September after Ronaldo accused the coach of breaking promises. The forward had been asked to warm up during a match against Norway but did not get the chance to play.
Ronaldo then left the national team camp and received a 30-day suspension and a small fine.
Although he later apologised, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner decided against returning to international football.
Jesus said he respected the decision and urged people to remember Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football.
“Sooner or later it had to happen. He felt it was the best moment to leave, and we have to respect that, while never forgetting what he represented for Portugal,” he said.
The 72-year-old coach, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, also defended his handling of the situation.
“All my decisions were made with the team in mind,” Jesus said.
“I do not feel guilty in any way about his departure.”
Meanwhile, Portugal have already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. They will face Denmark at home in Braga on November 14 before travelling to Wales on November 17.
Jesus has included two new faces in his squad. Monza striker Gustavo Varela and Porto defender Alberto Costa have received their first senior call-ups.
Teenagers Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda have also returned, alongside Club Brugge forward Carlos Forbs. However, injuries have ruled out Nuno Mendes and Francisco Conceicao.
Portugal will now begin a new chapter without Ronaldo, who helped the country win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles during his international career.
