Jorge Jesus asked Ronaldo to stay with the national team before his retirement
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune, Daily Post and Nile Post
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that he asked Cristiano Ronaldo to carry on playing for the national team before the announcement of his international retirement on 5 November 2026. He says he respects the choice of the 41-year-old forward and praises his legacy as an icon of Portuguese football, according to his remarks to Canal 11.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that he asked Cristiano Ronaldo to carry on playing for the national team before the announcement of his international retirement on Thursday 5 November 2026. "I asked him to stay with me because I needed him at my side, but I must accept his decision," Jorge Jesus said in an interview with Canal 11 on the same day as the 41-year-old player's announcement.
Jorge Jesus also stressed the legacy left by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, recalling their one year working together at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. "I had a large photo of him installed in the auditorium," he added. His reaction comes after several weeks of tension between the two men, which had strained their relations until the player left the Portuguese squad.
In 23 years with the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo played 234 matches for Portugal and scored 146 goals, two world records in men's football. He took part in six World Cups, from 2006 to 2026, scoring 11 goals.
The coach's remarks follow the announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement on 5 November and the appointment of Bernardo Silva as Portugal captain the following day. The Portuguese president had also spoken after the forward's retirement.
