Football: Jorge Jesus reacts to tributes to Ronaldo in Braga
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post, Bénin Web TV and Africa Top Sports
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has reacted to the tributes paid to Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against Denmark in Braga, where players wore shirts printed with the number 7. Portugal won without Ronaldo, who was absent from the squad gathering, according to the Daily Post.
Jorge Jesus has reacted to the tribute paid to Cristiano Ronaldo before the Nations League match against Denmark in Braga, according to the Daily Post. The players and mascots walked out bearing the ‘RONALDO 7’ lettering, while a second tribute was planned for the seventh minute with fans taking part.
The initiative had been agreed at a meeting between Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, Jorge Jesus and captains Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes. UEFA had authorised both gestures, and the federation also kept the room Ronaldo usually occupied at the Casa dos Atletas for this first gathering without him.
Ronaldo, 41, announced his international retirement on 5 November after 23 years with Portugal. He leaves the national team with 234 caps and 146 goals, two world records in men’s international football, as well as the Euro 2016 and Nations League 2019 and 2025 titles.
This match was Portugal’s first match since his retirement announcement. Already qualified for the quarter-finals, the squad must finish the group stage on 17 November in Wales.
