Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has insisted that he has no regrets over his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo, declaring that he would not change any of his decisions despite the forward’s retirement from international football.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on Thursday, November 5, bringing an end to a 23-year international career in which he scored a record 146 goals in 234 appearances.
The announcement followed a public disagreement between the pair after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp during the previous international window. The 41-year-old had accused Jesus of breaking his word over his playing time, particularly after he was not brought on during the Nations League match against Norway.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Jesus acknowledged that the disagreement may have accelerated Ronaldo’s departure but rejected any suggestion that he was responsible for the decision.
“Maybe I rushed things, but not because of me. It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups. We spoke about it a few times,” Jesus said.
Asked whether he would have handled the situation differently, the Portugal coach was emphatic.
“I wouldn't change anything. Zero. Because I made a coach's decision, thinking about my team, about the Portuguese national team. I am conscious that I did nothing to make this happen.”
Jesus also revealed that Ronaldo was still part of his plans and would have been included in the squad for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures had he not announced his retirement.
The coach said he only learned of the decision when Ronaldo made it public, adding that he respected the forward’s choice and would never overlook his contribution to Portuguese football.
Ronaldo’s retirement brings an end to one of the most remarkable international careers in football history, having helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League.
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