Portugal’s squad announcement turned into a press conference about Cristiano Ronaldo as Jorge Jesus faced a series of questions about his relationship with the former captain, who had announced his international retirement a day before the squad was named for the Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.
The dispute dates back to late September, when Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp before the match against Denmark and later accused Jesus of breaking a promise. The coach denied that the pair had reached an agreement, and the Portuguese Football Federation handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine after the player apologised.
Despite their differences, Jesus confirmed that he had planned to include Ronaldo in his squad. “I expected him to come back and I was going to speak to him and call him up, but I have to respect his decision. He felt it was time to leave the national team,” the coach said.
Asked whether Ronaldo had given him advance notice, Jesus added, “I found out when everyone else did. I was told after the video was posted, and until then I knew nothing.”
Jesus also explained that he had been waiting for Ronaldo to return to camp before speaking to him about the dispute. “I didn’t try to speak to Cristiano because I was planning to call him up, and I would have had time to talk to him then,” he said when asked about contact with the player during his suspension.
Pressed on how he had handled the situation, Jesus said he stood by his decisions. “I bear no ill will. I made every decision with the team’s interests in mind. I’m comfortable with my decision and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Ronaldo ended his 23-year international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, having led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and two Nations League triumphs. He continues to play club football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Jesus has named a 28-man squad for Portugal’s first camp since Ronaldo’s retirement. Having already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, Portugal face Denmark in Braga on 14 November before travelling to Cardiff to play Wales on 17 November.
