Portugal will pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after manager Jorge Jesus announced his first squad since the captain ended his international career, with the coach facing repeated questions over the disagreement that came before the decision.
The 41-year-old confirmed his retirement in a social-media post on Thursday, bringing down the curtain on a Portugal record of 234 caps and 146 goals. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca said the country would recognise Ronaldo’s extraordinary service, although it remains unclear whether the forward would accept a final farewell match.
“No homage could ever properly repay everything he has given Portuguese football,” Proenca said. “The finest way to recognise and celebrate him is to embrace his limitless ambition: always wanting to win, never fearing the challenge of being the world’s best. Thank you for everything, captain. This remains, and will always remain, your home.”
Jesus admitted he had believed Ronaldo would return to the national setup despite their earlier dispute, but said he accepted the player’s choice. “Naturally, I expected him to come back, I expected to select him and to speak with him, but his decision must be respected,” he said. “It had to happen at some point. He believed this was the right time to go, and we must accept that while never losing sight of what he meant to Portugal.”
The 72-year-old, who worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, became increasingly frustrated when reporters continued to ask about the fallout, stressing that he wanted to focus on the squad announcement. “Every choice I made was for the good of the team,” he said. “I have absolutely no guilt over his exit. I am comfortable with my decision.” Jesus maintained there was no animosity between them, said Ronaldo had remained part of his thinking until Thursday’s announcement — “I learned about it at the same time as everyone else” — and revealed that he had not been in contact with the striker since.
Ronaldo departed the Portugal camp without authorisation at the end of September, before a Nations League fixture against Denmark, after claiming Jesus had failed to keep promises made to him. The dispute followed the Norway game, when Ronaldo was told to prepare as a substitute but was ultimately not used. He received a 30-day ban and a symbolic financial penalty. Although he apologised and speculation grew that he could return, Ronaldo instead announced that his Portugal career was over.
Jesus included seven newcomers in his selection for November’s Nations League matches, five of them members of the Under-21 side. Monza forward Gustavo Varela, Serie A’s current top scorer, and Porto right-back Alberto Costa have both earned their first senior calls. Teenage players Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda, neither yet capped, are back in the group alongside Club Brugge striker Carlos Forbs. Nuno Mendes and Francisco Conceicao are unavailable because of injuries.
Having already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, Portugal will welcome Denmark to Braga on November 14 before travelling to face Wales three days later.
