Jorge Jesus accepts Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal decision after revealing private plea

Jorge Jesus says he asked Cristiano Ronaldo to remain available for Portugal but had to accept the veteran forward’s decision to retire from international football.

The Portugal manager was speaking to Canal 11 on Thursday, shortly after Ronaldo announced he was ending his career with the national team and giving up the number seven shirt. Jesus said he had already discussed the possibility with the Al-Nassr striker before naming his preliminary squad, which included Ronaldo.

“This is a decision that belongs to him,” Jesus told Portuguese newspaper A Bola. “We already had the opportunity to discuss it before the preliminary squad. I asked him to continue and to stay with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision.”

Ronaldo’s announcement came despite Jesus’ comments following a dispute between the two men during Portugal’s previous international camp in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Ronaldo left the camp without permission in protest at comments made by Jesus and was subsequently suspended for one month. Although he later indicated that he wanted to continue playing for Portugal, the 41-year-old surprised many by announcing his international retirement on Thursday.

His decision was confirmed 24 hours before Portugal were due to announce their squad for the November camp, which includes their final two group-stage matches in the Nations League.

Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on 14 November 2026 in Nations League – Path A.

Jesus praises Ronaldo’s lasting influence

Jesus also underlined Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal, saying his influence extended well beyond his performances for the national team and had reached generations of supporters.

“He is a global reference, a reference for Portugal and for the national team,” Jesus said. “He is a player who has given so much to the national team over all these years, and he is an idol for Portuguese youngsters. Most of his supporters are young people.”

Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo for a year at Al-Nassr, an experience he said had strengthened his appreciation of the player’s position in Portuguese football.

“I had the opportunity to work with him for a year at Al-Nassr, so he will always remain a reference for our national team, our people and our history,” he added.

The Portugal manager has also taken steps to preserve Ronaldo’s legacy at the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation.

“We have a lecture hall… I ordered a large picture of him to be placed there, so that he is present in front of all the youngsters, and not only the youngsters, but also our colleagues who meet there every day, as a reference for them,” Jesus said.

He insisted Ronaldo’s importance to Portuguese football would remain unchanged despite his international retirement.

“He will always remain in the hearts of the Portuguese people and in the national team. There is no going back on that, because he will always be a reference point for Portuguese football,” Jesus said.