Jorge Jesus says he planned to recall Cristiano Ronaldo before Portugal retirement

Jorge Jesus says he intended to select Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal’s Nations League matches and only learned of the forward’s international retirement when it was announced publicly.

Ronaldo confirmed his decision on Thursday, just 24 hours before Jesus named his first Portugal squad since the captain ended his international career. The manager said he had expected Ronaldo to continue and had planned to speak to him after calling him up.

“I thought he would return, of course. I was thinking about selecting him and speaking to him,” Jesus said. “But I have to respect him. He decided it was time to leave the national team.”

Jesus said Ronaldo’s departure followed a dispute that began when the player left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen without permission in October, after objecting to earlier comments made by the manager. Ronaldo was subsequently suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation.

The disagreement appeared to be easing, but Ronaldo announced his retirement before the new squad was revealed.

“I found out at the same time as all of you,” Jesus said. “I was informed of his decision on Thursday, after the video and statement were released. Until then, I knew nothing.”

Portugal’s new squad includes 28 players, with seven newcomers. Five of those new selections had previously represented Portugal Under-21s.

“Let us borrow Cristiano’s words: we are targeting renewal, the future and the Portugal national team,” Jesus said. “That is the perspective from which we look at things.”

Portugal face Denmark on 14 November 2026 in Nations League Path One before Wales play Portugal on 17 November 2026.

Jesus rejected the suggestion that his previous decisions had been influenced by personal animosity towards Ronaldo.

“If I was considering selecting him, it was because I believed he would continue with the Nations League project. I had no grudge against him,” he said. “All my decisions were made in the team’s interests. I am at ease with my decision.”

He also declined to comment on the position of Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca, who knew about Ronaldo’s decision before it was made public.

“As manager and director of the national team, I will not comment on what he could or should do,” Jesus said.

The 71-year-old manager said he did not know why Ronaldo had changed his mind, despite the player ruling out retirement about a month earlier.

“You have to ask him,” Jesus said. “We worked together for a year at Al-Nassr, were happy at our club and became champions. I respect his decision.”

Jesus added that Ronaldo’s exit would not alter Portugal’s responsibilities.

“Our responsibility remains the same because Portugal’s responsibility is to win,” he said. “Ronaldo no longer being with the national team does not make that responsibility greater or smaller.”

Jesus denied feeling guilty that his disagreement with Ronaldo might have accelerated the player’s decision.

“Perhaps events were brought forward, but that was not because of me,” he said. “I do not feel guilty about his departure. He will always be a symbol.”

The manager said his friendship with Ronaldo had grown over 18 months, adding: “Sportingly, he has now made another decision, and I respect it greatly.”