05.11.2026 18:10
After the argument he had with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal National Team, head coach Jorge Jesus, who became the target of criticism, spoke for the first time about the 41-year-old star's decision to leave the national team. Stating that he wanted Ronaldo to continue, Jesus said, "I asked him to stay with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision."
In the process that resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Portugal national team, head coach Jorge Jesus made noteworthy statements. The experienced coach, previously discussed for his argument with Ronaldo, broke his silence after the star player bid farewell to the national team.
FIRST HE WAS LEFT OUT OF THE SQUAD, THEN HE LEFT THE CAMP
The tension that had previously occurred between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal national team had drawn attention. It was stated that Ronaldo left the national team camp after Jesus decided not to play the star player in the starting eleven. Ronaldo's move of going to Madrid by private jet caused debates, while the 41-year-old player was given a 30-day suspension and a 255 euro fine.
Following the events, Ronaldo announced that he had ended his 23-year national team career. The star player's farewell, having appeared in 234 matches and scored 146 goals in the Portugal jersey, caused a great repercussion in the football world.
“I WANTED HIM TO STAY WITH ME”
Speaking after Ronaldo's departure decision, Jorge Jesus stated that the star player's presence in the national team was important to him and used the following expressions:
“This is Ronaldo's decision. We had the opportunity to discuss this before the first squad announcement. I asked him to continue and stay with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision.”
“HE WILL ALWAYS BE A SYMBOL FOR PORTUGAL”
Jesus, who spoke with praise of Ronaldo's contributions to the country's football, also recalled the period when they worked together with the star player at Al Nassr.
“He is a global reference, a reference for Portugal, a reference for the national team. A player who contributed a lot to the national team over the years. A symbol for Portuguese young people. Most of his fans are young people. During the one year I worked with him at Al Nassr, I had the opportunity to share this experience. Therefore, he will always continue to be a reference for our national team, our people, and our history.”
HE HAD RONALDO'S PHOTO HUNG
Jorge Jesus, stating that he wanted Ronaldo's influence on the national team to be passed on to future generations, also shared a noteworthy detail.
“In fact, in our conference hall... I asked for a large picture of him to be hung in the conference hall so that all the young people who are in that hall every day, and not only the young people but also our colleagues, could see his trace.”
The experienced coach concluded his statement with these words:
“Ronaldo will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese and the national team, and this will not change because he will always be a symbol of Portuguese football.”