Cristiano Ronaldo turns to golf as Portugal prepare to honour him against Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to turn his attention away from Portugal’s preparations for their Nations League match against Denmark by spending time playing golf in Riyadh, prompting questions about whether he was sending an indirect message to Jorge Jesus following the dispute that preceded his international retirement.

The former Portugal captain posted a picture on Instagram showing him with two friends on a golf course just as a news conference involving Jesus and Bernardo Silva was about to begin on Friday evening.

Jesus and Silva were speaking ahead of Portugal’s meeting with Denmark, which will be the team’s first match since Ronaldo announced the end of his international career.

Ronaldo had spent several days in Portugal at his home in Quinta da Marinha, in Cascais, before returning to the Saudi capital. Golf now appears to have become his latest interest away from football.

He was joined on the course by Jose Semedo, the chief executive of Saudi club Al Nassr, and the club’s sporting director Simao Coutinho.

Jesus praises Portugal legend

At the news conference, Jesus said Ronaldo would remain a legend in Portuguese football and stressed the importance of ensuring his influence continued to reach younger generations.

Asked about plans by the Portugal Football Federation to honour Ronaldo during the Denmark match, Jesus said: “This falls under the responsibility of the Portugal Football Federation, specifically its football and sporting departments, as well as the president of the federation.”

“I think it is a great idea. Nobody can forget the 23 years Cristiano spent with the national team, what he contributed and what he represented in football, both for the national team and the other clubs he played for.”

Portuguese media reported on Thursday that every Portugal player would walk on to the pitch before the match wearing the famous number seven shirt associated with Ronaldo. The reported gesture would be an unprecedented tribute to his legacy with his country.

Jesus added: “I did not work with Cristiano for one week. I spent a whole year with him, so I know very well how important he is, not only to the new players but also to young people around the world.”

“I think it is a great idea that we continue not to forget that he is a legend of Portuguese football. I no longer know what will happen. Only he knows.”

Portugal assess attacking options

Jesus was also asked about Portugal’s attacking options in Ronaldo’s absence, including Gustavo Varela and Fabio Silva.

“The two players have different characteristics,” he said. “Gustavo Varela is a recognised striker and is very similar to Goncalo Ramos.”

“As for Fabio, he has a greater ability to move around and knows how to lead an attack on his own. As I said, he often plays as a second striker for Borussia Dortmund, which is why we selected him in the first squad. We felt he had characteristics different from Cristiano and Goncalo Ramos.”