Jorge Jesus has firmly dismissed any sense of responsibility regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from international football, stating he feels no guilt over the five-time Ballon d’Or winner ending his 23-year career with Portugal. Speaking to the press on Friday while unveiling his squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, the 68-year-old manager emphasized that the decision to quit was entirely Ronaldo’s own. Jesus, who previously managed the star at Saudi club Al Nassr before taking the Portugal helm in July, maintained a professional distance from the emotional fallout, asserting that he did not force the issue nor feel accountable for the conclusion of the world record-holder’s national team tenure.
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The announcement follows a turbulent period for the 41-year-old forward, who confirmed his exit on Thursday after amassing 234 appearances and 146 goals—both all-time records in men’s international football. Ronaldo’s decision comes less than a month after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine for walking out of the national team camp. The incident occurred in October following a public dispute with Jesus shortly before a crucial Nations League fixture against Denmark. Although the ban was backdated, it meant Ronaldo would have been eligible to return for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales, a fact that underscores the finality of his personal choice to step away rather than a technical barrier.
This development marks a definitive end to an era in world football, as Ronaldo leaves the pitch as the all-time top scorer in men’s international history. Jesus’s public stance aims to de-escalate lingering tensions between the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star and the current coaching staff, framing the retirement as a mutual respect for the player’s wishes rather than a punitive outcome. With Portugal preparing for their next Nations League commitments, the focus now shifts to the squad’s ability to maintain their competitive edge without their most iconic figurehead, while Jesus continues to navigate the complex dynamics of a team transitioning post-Ronaldo.
Source: Yahoo Sports
