Portugal manager Jorge Jesus says he had no advance knowledge of Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football and was planning to include the Al-Nassr forward in his squad.
Ronaldo, 41, announced his decision in an Instagram video on Thursday, one day before Jesus was due to name his squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Jesus said Ronaldo had not informed him personally and remained one of the players he intended to select.
“I found out when we all did,” said Jesus. “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 become available again after completing a 30-day suspension from international duty, although no Portugal matches took place during that period.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner left the Portugal camp in September after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark four days later.
Ronaldo subsequently said Jesus had “broken his word”, although he accepted he deserved punishment for leaving the camp early. He also said at the time that he did not intend to retire from international football.
Jesus appeared frustrated when questioned about the disagreement at Friday’s news conference.
“All my decisions were made with the team in mind,” he said.
“As a manager, I have always defended what was best for the team. I am at peace with my decision.”
Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Norway on 27 September, meaning his final appearance for Portugal came three days earlier in a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon.
His international career ended with 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal, both men’s world records. He made his debut for the national team in 2003 and helped them win Euro 2016.
Jesus said he had not spoken to Ronaldo since the retirement announcement.
However, Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) president Pedro Proenca said the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward would be honoured for his contribution to the country.
“No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal,” said Proenca.
“The best way to honour and celebrate him is to honour his boundless ambition, to always play to win, to never be afraid of being the best in the world.
“Thank you for everything, captain. This is and always will be your home.”
