Portugal enters its post-Cristiano Ronaldo era on Saturday against Denmark in Braga, with federation officials preparing a special stadium tribute for the national team’s all-time appearance leader, Observador reported.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football following a 23-year career with the national team. Federation president Pedro Proença, the technical staff, and team captains agreed that players will take the pitch wearing the number 7 shirt for the match, Observador reported.
Taking Cris’s words, we intend renewal, the future for the Portuguese national team. It is within this perspective that the list was made,” manager Jorge Jesus said, according to Observador.
Jesus Discusses Squad Renewal
Jesus announced his squad for the concluding UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark at home and Wales away. Portugal can secure first place in the group with a victory in Braga.
“What happened in the past does not interest me. Of course I thought he would return, I thought about calling him, talking to him. But I have to respect him. He decided it was time to leave the National Team,” Jesus told Observador.
“The decision was communicated to me as you knew, after the video and the statement he made. Until then, I had no knowledge of anything,” Jesus said. “If I just said I was thinking of calling him, it’s because I thought he was going to continue in this Nations League project. There is no hurt at all.”
Jesus addressed the tribute plans during his pre-match press conference in Braga. “Of course it didn’t come from the coaching staff. These will always be decisions of the Federation, linked more concretely to the football area and its president. That idea is brilliant,” Jesus told Observador.
“No one can forget the 23 years that Cris played for the National Team, what he did and what he was in the world as a player in other clubs. I didn’t spend a week with Cris, I spent a year. I spent a year working with him and I know how important he is to new players all over the world. It is a brilliant idea to continue not forgetting that he is a legend of Portuguese football,” Jesus said.
Jesus Selects New Attacking Options After Ronaldo's Departure
Jesus explained his selection of attacking options following Ronaldo’s departure, including forwards Fábio Silva and Gustavo Varela.
“Fábio Silva and Gustavo Varela are two players with different characteristics. Gustavo Varela is more of a pure 9, he is more similar to Gonçalo Ramos, Fábio has another mobility,” Jesus told Observador.
“Varela is in the Italian League, he is the top scorer in a top five championship in Europe. I’m going to believe in them. This is a National Team with a much quality and with much passion,” Jesus told Observador.
The manager emphasized that preparation remains unchanged despite the milestone fixture. Portugal previously defeated Wales at Alvalade in the group stage.
“The focus of this game with Denmark is the same as the first in Alvalade with Wales: win the game. We quickly defined the possibility of being first, which is the case of tomorrow’s encounter,” Jesus told Observador.
“Denmark is a team that surprised us with moments of very high quality there. We defended set pieces very well because they are physically very strong players, now the game will be different,” Jesus said.
Portugal Players Wear Number 7 Shirts Against Denmark
Portugal hosts Denmark in Braga on Saturday to close out the first phase of the UEFA Nations League.
All Portugal players will enter the pitch wearing the number 7 shirt in a decision coordinated between federation president Pedro Proença, the coaching staff, and team captains.
“If I’d liked him to be present? I don’t know, he’s the one who knows,” Jesus told Observador.
