Jorge Jesus reveals he tried to persuade Ronaldo to reverse his international retirement
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he asked Cristiano Ronaldo to stay with the national team before announcing his first squad. He explained that he needed Ronaldo, but respected the player's decision to retire from international football.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he asked Cristiano Ronaldo to continue with the national team before announcing his first squad, explaining that he needed Ronaldo but respected the player's decision to retire from international football.
Jesus described Ronaldo as an icon of Portugal and its national team, and a source of inspiration for young people. He said he had ordered a large picture of Ronaldo to be put up in the lecture room at the national team's headquarters to remind players of what he had contributed to Portuguese football. Jesus added that Ronaldo's place in the hearts of the Portuguese would remain firmly established.