Jorge Jesus says Ronaldo retirement came without warning as Portugal selection loomed

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said Cristiano Ronaldo gave him no advance warning of his retirement from international football, despite being in his plans for the next squad. According to BBC Sport, Jesus told a news conference on Friday that he learned of the decision at the same time as the public and had intended to select the Al-Nassr forward.

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Ronaldo, 41, announced his decision in an Instagram video on Thursday, a day before Jesus was scheduled to name Portugal's squad for this month's Nations League fixtures. The coach said Ronaldo's recent appearances and goals had kept him in contention. Jesus also said he had not contacted the forward since the announcement, leaving Friday's remarks as his public response to the retirement.

The announcement followed a dispute during Portugal's September camp. BBC Sport reported that Ronaldo left after being informed he would not start a Nations League game against Denmark four days later. He subsequently served a 30-day suspension from international duty, although that period contained no national-team matches. The suspension had ended, making him available for selection again before he chose to retire.

Ronaldo had accused Jesus of failing to keep his word over the September episode, while accepting that his early departure warranted punishment. At that stage, he had said he was not retiring from international football. Asked again about the disagreement on Friday, Jesus defended his handling of the situation, saying his decisions had been taken in the team's interests and that he remained comfortable with them.

Ronaldo's last appearance for Portugal was in a 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon, three days before he remained on the bench against Norway on 27 September. He finishes with 146 goals in 234 internationals, both men's world records, having made his debut in 2003. His international career also included helping Portugal win the European Championship in 2016.

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca pledged to honour Ronaldo's contribution. In comments reported by the BBC, Proenca thanked the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward for his service to Portuguese football and urged the national side to reflect his ambition to win. His tribute accompanied a farewell that Jesus said he had not anticipated while preparing his latest squad.