Ronaldo's Retirement Shakes Portugal Squad as Jesus Defends Tactics
The manager named seven new players for upcoming matches while fielding tough questions about the captain's abrupt exit from camp.
By Takeshi Faure ·
Portugal’s football federation pledged to honor Cristiano Ronaldo as manager Jorge Jesus introduced his first squad without the team captain. The announcement on Friday centered on the 41-year-old striker’s international retirement, which he confirmed on social media on Thursday. The decision ends a career that includes 234 appearances and 146 goals for the national team.
The timing of the departure remains a point of contention. In late September, Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp without permission before a Nations League match against Denmark. He did not return to the group. The forward later attributed his exit to broken promises from Jesus, a claim that fueled speculation about the relationship between the star and the manager.
Jesus addressed the dispute directly during the squad announcement. He expressed visible annoyance as journalists pressed him on the rift. He stated that his decisions were made with the team in mind and that he has always defended what was best for the group. "I am at peace with my decision," Jesus said, insisting there were no hard feelings. He noted that he learned of the retirement at the same time as the public did on Thursday. Until that moment, he said, Ronaldo was on his squad list and was playing and scoring goals.
The manager confirmed he had not contacted Ronaldo since the announcement. He emphasized that the player remained in his plans until the news broke. "I found out when we all did," Jesus said. "Until then, I knew nothing about it."
Pedro Proenca, the Portuguese FA president, promised that the federation would celebrate Ronaldo’s legacy. He stated that no tribute would be enough to thank the forward for his contribution to Portuguese football. "We will do everything we can to honor the legacy he leaves us," Proenca said. He added that the best way to celebrate Ronaldo was to honor his boundless ambition and his refusal to be afraid of being the best in the world.
Proenca praised Ronaldo’s leadership and his influence on generations of Portuguese players. He described the national team as Ronaldo’s home, saying it always would be. The FA did not specify whether the forward would agree to a farewell appearance before his final match.
Jesus selected seven new faces for the upcoming schedule. This group includes five players from the under-21 age group. The squad will prepare for Nations League matches against Wales and Denmark in November. The absence of the long-time captain dominated the proceedings despite the introduction of new talent.
