Portugal were preparing to name their latest Nations League squad when Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday. The Al Nassr captain chose to say goodbye in a video message after weeks of speculation over his relationship with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
The row went public in late September, when Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp before the match against Denmark. He later accused Jesus of breaking a promise, while the coach denied that they had reached any agreement. Ronaldo apologised, after which the Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255.
Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, citing a source close to Jesus, reported that the coach called Ronaldo three times before the retirement announcement and got no answer. According to the source, the unanswered calls led Jesus to suspect that Ronaldo was about to retire, although the Portugal captain had yet to tell him directly.
The dispute centred on the role Ronaldo would have if he returned to the national team. Jesus made it clear that his place in the side would change, while Ronaldo made clear in their meetings that he was unwilling to start on the bench.
According to the newspaper, tensions grew when Ronaldo realised Jesus was leaning towards starting Gonçalo Ramos up front. A return to the squad would have meant accepting a different role from the one he had played for Portugal over the years.
In a separate report, Portuguese newspaper A Bola said Ronaldo informed federation president Pedro Proença before posting the video. Jesus was still planning to call him up, according to the paper, prompting Ronaldo to announce his decision on the eve of the squad unveiling.
Speaking after the announcement, Jesus recalled an earlier conversation with Ronaldo about his international future. “I asked him to stay because I needed him, but I have to accept his decision,” the coach said, making clear that he had wanted Ronaldo to continue despite their differences.
Ronaldo, 41, continues to play for Al Nassr, where he previously worked under Jesus. He ends his 23-year Portugal career with 146 goals in 234 appearances and three international titles.
