Portugal head coach
Ronaldo, 41, announced his departure from the national team on Thursday via a social media video, stating that the time had arrived for him to relinquish the iconic No. 7 shirt. Despite a recent period of tension between the two, which saw Ronaldo suspended by the Portuguese federation following a training camp departure, Jesus insisted that he respected the player's choice to step away.
A Legacy Beyond the Recent Fallout
Reflecting on the career of the man who scored a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, Jesus emphasized the importance of Ronaldo’s contributions to Portuguese football. The coach noted that the forward remains a vital symbol for the next generation of players and that his impact on the national team’s history, including the 2016 European Championship triumph, cannot be overstated.
Addressing the recent friction that led to a 30-day suspension and a fine for the forward, Jesus maintained that his management decisions were always guided by the best interests of the squad. He stated that he holds no personal animosity toward the player, emphasizing that he is completely at ease with the professional choices he made during his tenure as head coach.
Looking Ahead Without the Icon
While his international career has concluded, Ronaldo will continue his professional playing career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. He currently sits on 985 career goals, leaving him just 15 shy of the 1,000-goal milestone. The Portuguese federation has confirmed plans to organize a formal tribute to honor his extensive service to the national side.
Portugal, having already secured a spot in the Nations League quarterfinals, is set to face Denmark in Braga on November 14 before traveling to Cardiff to take on Wales on November 17. The squad announcement marks a new chapter for the team as they prepare for these fixtures without their long-time captain.
