Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said he was ready to call Cristiano Ronaldo up for November's international matches until learning of his international retirement Thursday, Nov. 5, the same day the superstar made that decision public.
The 72-year-old coach has found himself as the rival to Ronaldo at the end of the 41-year-old's international career, with the two thrust into a feud last international window despite their previous working relationship and the fact that Ronaldo had backed the manager to get the Portugal job.
"Of course I thought he'd be back. Of course I thought about calling him up. Of course I thought about speaking with him. But I have to respect it," Jesus said at a news conference announcing his squad for Portugal's matches against
Denmark and Wales in the UEFA Nations League this month. "He decided it was time to leave the national team. Sooner or later, it had to happen.
"He chose this moment to not continue."
Jesus was asked several times about Ronaldo's departure and what it would mean for the team, but the manager said he wanted to leave the past in the past – preferring to recognize what Ronaldo had accomplished rather than his time representing his country drawing to a close.
The news conference started with Portugal FA president Pedro Proenca assuring fans and reporters that the federation will send off Ronaldo with celebrations, though a farewell match is yet to be announced.
Jesus' list includes seven new players including five who played with Portugal's U-21 team. In justifying the fresh faces, Jesus pointed to a statement made by a familiar presence whose absence will loom over this camp.
“There are seven new players. We want, to echo Cris’ words, to renew the future of the Portugal national team – and it’s from this perspective” that he called them in, the manager said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ronaldo call-up? Portugal manager Jorge Jesus says he considered bringing CR7 in before retirement
