National football team head coach Jorge Jesus addressed Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal national team during a press conference at the Cidade do Futebol, admitting that he may have hastened the decision while maintaining that he holds no responsibility for it.
Jesus revealed that he intended to call up Ronaldo for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches and learned of the player’s retirement at the same time as the general public.
During the press briefing, Jorge Jesus addressed the intense questioning surrounding the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career. Se calhar apressei as coisas
, Jesus stated, while immediately emphasizing, Não me sinto culpado de nada, respeito a decisão dele
.
The coach confirmed he did not speak with Ronaldo before the announcement and found out about the exit when everyone else did, noting that the player was still actively playing and scoring goals.
Jesus asserted that he has no regrets and would not change anything, explaining that every choice he makes is done with the team in mind. Não há mágoa nenhuma, as decisões que tomo são a pensar na equipa
, he added, noting that a departure was inevitable eventually.
Jesus also remarked on his unavoidable place in history regarding the timeline, stating that he would be linked to the exit regardless of whether it happened in this squad selection or a future one leading up to 2030.
Following the announcement, Jesus unveiled his first squad selection without Ronaldo, which features seven new additions including the debuts of Gustavo Varela and Alberto Costa. With Ronaldo stepping away, the national team captaincy shifts according to international appearances. Jesus explained that the squad’s leadership group is determined by caps rather than direct appointment by the coach.
Na Seleção, o selecionador não escolhe os capitães de equipa. Eles são escolhidos pelas internacionalizações. Neste momento são cinco os que têm maior número de internacionalizações e o jogador com mais internacionalizações a seguir ao Cris é o Bernardo Silva
, Jesus stated.
The remaining four players with the highest number of appearances for the selection are Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves, and Bruno Fernandes.
The press conference also touched upon the ongoing dispute that prevents the national team from hosting matches at the Estádio da Luz. Reflecting on his seven-year tenure as manager of Benfica, where he won numerous titles, Jesus voiced his desire to see the national team return to the venue.
Claro que gostava que a Seleção voltasse ao estádio da Luz
, Jesus said, describing the venue as an emblematic location where he experienced great professional happiness and success during his club coaching career.
Worth a look
