Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football, claiming that he felt no guilt over it.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal on Thursday. The announcement came less than a month after he was suspended for 30 days and fined by the Portuguese Football Federation after walking out on the national team. Ronaldo had left the Portugal camp after a Nations League fixture vs Denmark on October 1. He fell out with head coach Jorge Jesus. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Jesus said, "No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me." "It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups. "We also talked about it a few times. And if it was going to happen. But no, I don't feel guilty about anything regarding his departure. I respect his decision." Ronaldo played his last match for Portugal on September 24, and it was a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon. He was an unused substitute for the first time in 18 years, in the 2-1 win over Norway on October 4. Jesus also claimed that he was ready to recall Ronaldo. "I thought he would return," he said. "I certainly intended to call him up. "He felt that this was the right moment to leave, and that must be respected. We can never overlook what he has meant to Portugal, what he has contributed to the country, or the fact that he serves as a symbol for younger players." Jesus took over as Portugal manager after their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 exit this year. He also revealed that he spoke to Ronaldo about his future in September. "We had the chance to talk about this before the first squad announcement [in September before the fallout]," he said. "I asked him to stay on with me because I needed him by my side." Jesus has also worked with Ronaldo in the past, with Al Nassr. "I had the chance to spend a year working with him at Al Nassr," he said. "Cris is a global icon, a Portuguese icon, and an icon of the national team."
