Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo gave him no warning before announcing his international retirement, a decision that came a day before the squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures was due to be named. Jesus had intended to pick the Al-Nassr forward, who had completed a suspension. According to Bbc.com.
Jesus was set to pick Ronaldo before retirement announcement landed
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football in an Instagram video on Thursday, the day before Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures. Jesus told Friday’s news conference that the 41-year-old forward had given no prior notice, and that he had been set to select him.
“I found out when we all did”, Jesus said, adding that he had known nothing beforehand. The Portugal coach said Ronaldo had been scoring goals and was on his squad list. The in-form Al-Nassr forward was available again after serving a 30-day suspension from international duty, a spell during which Portugal had no fixtures.
The retirement follows a fractious September. Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark four days later, then said Jesus had broken his word while accepting he deserved punishment for leaving early. He also claimed at that time that he would not be retiring.
Jesus showed clear irritation on Friday as journalists pressed him on the dispute. He said every decision had been made with the team in mind and that he was at peace with his choice. He added that he had not contacted Ronaldo since the announcement.
Ronaldo’s final appearance for Portugal came in a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon, three days before he was an unused substitute against Norway on 27 September. He leaves with 146 goals from 234 games, both men’s world records, since debuting in 2003, and helped the country win Euro 2016.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca pledged to honour the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward, saying no tribute would ever be enough to thank him for what he has done for Portuguese football. His message ended: “Thank you for everything, captain. This is and always will be your home.”
