Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team coach on 11 July, with the veteran manager confirming he would continue selecting Cristiano Ronaldo whenever the forward is fit and available, insisting the 41 year old would “never” pose a problem for the squad.
Ronaldo endured criticism for his performances at this summer’s World Cup under previous coach Roberto Martinez, as Portugal exited in the round of 16 to Spain. The forward, who has said this year’s tournament marked his final World Cup appearance, has yet to decide whether he will continue representing his country at all.
Speaking at his official unveiling, Jesus made clear his stance on the matter. “As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” he told reporters.
The 71 year old, a well travelled coach across his career, said he had not yet spoken directly with Ronaldo but intended to do so regarding his future. “I haven’t spoken with Cris yet. Cris is never going to be a problem for the national team, not for the national team, nor for me,” Jesus said. “Cris is a symbol of Portuguese football. Cris is a symbol of the national team, that will forever be in the history books. I had great pleasure working with him this past year, it’s easy to work with him. We’re going to have a conversation between the two of us about what he wants to do with the future of his career.”
Jesus previously managed Ronaldo at Al Nassr, leaving the Saudi club in May shortly after guiding them to the Saudi Pro League title. Drawing on that recent experience, he suggested Ronaldo intended to see out his playing career in Saudi Arabia. “I know he wants to keep playing at Al Nassr, because, as you know, I spent a year with him. He always told me, I’m going to end my career at Al Nassr,” Jesus said.
Jesus has been appointed to lead Portugal through to the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.
