Jorge Jesus breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal retirement
Jorge Jesus has insisted he bears no responsibility for Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to step away from international football.
The 41-year-old forward called time on his Portugal career on Thursday, finishing with men's record totals of 234 caps and 146 goals.
His announcement arrived under a month after receiving a backdated 30-day ban and a 255 euro (roughly £210) fine from the Portuguese Football Federation. The sanction was imposed after the forward walked out on the squad before a Nations League clash with Denmark on 1 October, following a disagreement with Jesus.
With the suspension served, Ronaldo was eligible for selection for upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
Unveiling his squad for those games on Friday, Jesus – who managed Ronaldo at Saudi club Al Nassr prior to taking the Portugal job in July – maintained he felt no guilt over the end of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s 23-year career on the international stage.
Jesus said: "No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me. It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups.
"We also talked about it a few times. And if it was going to happen. But no, I don’t feel guilty about anything regarding his departure. I respect his decision.
"And, as such, his story cannot be ignored. He will always be a symbol and I have built a strong friendship with him over this year and a half.
"Sporting-wise, he made a decision and I greatly respect his decision."
The 72-year-old manager explained that he received no advance notice of Ronaldo’s retirement prior to its publication on social media, confirming he would have otherwise been named in the squad.
"I found out when we all did," Jesus said. "Until then, I knew nothing about it.
"He was playing, he was scoring goals; he was one of the players on my squad list."
Ronaldo had alleged that Jesus had "broken his word" by keeping him on the bench throughout a match against Norway on 27 September. The forward spent time warming up during the second period in Oslo before remaining an unused substitute, subsequently departing the team camp.
Responding to questions regarding the rift, Jesus said: "All my decisions were made with the team in mind.
"As a manager, I have always defended what was best for the team. I am at peace with my decision."
Jesus noted that he had not spoken with Ronaldo following Thursday’s statement.
Offering a tribute to the departing forward, PFF president Pedro Proenca said: "No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football.
"Thank you for everything, captain. This is and always will be your home."
