I attempted to influence Cristiano Ronaldo towards Portugal retirement – Portugal coach Jorge Jesus

Sports

By Linda Ikeji
6 November 2026, 5:36 pm

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that he tried to persuade former captain Cristiano Ronaldo to delay his worldwide retirement and proceed enjoying for his nation into 2027.

The 41-year-old ahead concluded his worldwide profession after scoring 146 objectives throughout 234 caps, each world data, following his debut for the nationwide group in 2003.

Ronaldo’s retirement follows a turbulent closing chapter with the nationwide group after he walked out of Portugal’s squad camp in September upon studying he wouldn’t begin a UEFA Nations League match towards Denmark. The incident resulted in a £215 high-quality and a 30-day suspension. Although Ronaldo had initially signaled an intention to maintain enjoying, he finally selected to step down forward of Portugal’s November fixtures.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said in his official announcement video. “I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums around the world. Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart.”

Following the announcement, Jesus confirmed that he had hoped to retain the veteran ahead by means of the UEFA Euro 2028 qualification marketing campaign to assist information the squad.

“Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team,” Jesus mentioned. “I had a huge photo of him put up in our auditorium so all the young players can look up to him every day. I asked him to continue with me, because I needed him by my side. But, I have to accept his decision. He will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people.”