Jorge Jesus said he had no advance warning of Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football and had planned to include the forward in Portugal’s squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures.
Ronaldo announced his retirement in an Instagram video on Thursday, one day before Jesus was due to name his selection. The Portugal coach said he only learned of the decision at the same time as the public.
“I found out when we all did,” Jesus said at a news conference on Friday. “Until then, I knew nothing about it.
“He was playing, he was scoring goals; he was one of the players on my squad list.”
The 41-year-old had become available for selection again after completing a 30-day suspension from international duty. The ban did not cover any Portugal matches.
Ronaldo had left the national team camp in September after being informed that he would not start the Nations League fixture against Denmark four days later. He subsequently accused Jesus of having “broken his word”, although he accepted that he deserved punishment for leaving the camp early.
At the time, Ronaldo said he did not intend to retire from international football.
Jesus appeared irritated when questioned about the disagreement at Friday’s news conference. He defended his handling of the situation and said his decisions had been made for the benefit of Portugal.
“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 in Portugal’s match against Norway on 27 September. His final international appearance therefore came three days earlier, when Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in Lisbon.
He finishes his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. Both figures are men’s world records. Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and helped the country win Euro 2016.
Jesus said he had not spoken to Ronaldo since the retirement announcement. Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF), said the organisation would honour the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward.
“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.”
