Jorge Jesus on Ronaldo’s unexpected retirement: ‘No, I don’t feel guilty about anything regarding his departure’

Cristiano Ronaldo's international career has ended after 21 years, 234 appearances and a record 146 goals for Portugal, but the circumstances surrounding his departure have left questions about his relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old announced his retirement on Thursday, less than a month after walking out of the national team camp. Jesus has now addressed the fallout, insisting he was not responsible for the decision and had expected Ronaldo to return.Jorge Jesus denies responsibility for Ronaldo's international retirementJesus said he did not feel guilty about Ronaldo's decision to end his Portugal career, although he acknowledged that he might have acted too quickly during their disagreements. Speaking to reporters on Friday after announcing his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales, the Portugal coach said the decision had ultimately come from the player himself."No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me," Jesus said. "It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups."We also talked about it a few times. And if it was going to happen. But no, I don't feel guilty about anything regarding his departure. I respect his decision."Ronaldo announced his retirement on Thursday, bringing an end to a Portugal career that began in 2003. His 234 appearances and 146 goals remain records in men's international football, while his contribution to the national team includes the European Championship triumph in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.The announcement came less than a month after the Portuguese Football Federation suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255 following his departure from the national team camp ahead of a Nations League fixture against Denmark on October 1.Ronaldo walked out after falling out with JesusThe disagreement between the two men developed during a difficult period for Portugal, following their round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Jesus took charge of the national team in July after previously coaching Ronaldo at Al Nassr, where he guided the Saudi club to its first Saudi Pro League title during their time together.Ronaldo left the Portugal camp shortly before the Denmark fixture after a falling-out with Jesus. He subsequently apologised to his teammates for walking out and made clear that he wanted to continue representing his country, but he did not offer the same apology to the head coach.The forward then missed Portugal's next matches. He was an unused substitute in a 2-1 victory over Norway on October 4, the first time in 18 years that he had been left on the bench without being brought on for his country. His last appearance for Portugal was a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24 in Lisbon.Despite the dispute, Jesus said he had expected Ronaldo to return and had intended to include him in the latest squad."I thought he would return," Jesus said. "I certainly intended to call him up."He felt that this was the right moment to leave, and that must be respected. We can never overlook what he has meant to Portugal, what he has contributed to the country, or the fact that he serves as a symbol for younger players."Jesus wanted Ronaldo to continue with PortugalJesus had discussed the possibility of international retirement with Ronaldo before the disagreement that led to the forward leaving camp. Speaking to Canal 11 on Friday, the coach said he had asked the captain to remain involved when they spoke in September, before his first squad announcement."We had the chance to talk about this before the first squad announcement [in September before the fallout]," he said. "I asked him to stay on with me because I needed him by my side."Their previous working relationship at Al Nassr had given Jesus an opportunity to understand Ronaldo's influence beyond his performances on the pitch. The coach described him as a figure whose importance extended well beyond the national team."I had the chance to spend a year working with him at Al Nassr," Jesus said. "Cris is a global icon, a Portuguese icon, and an icon of the national team."Ronaldo leaves international football having captained Portugal to their first major men's trophy at Euro 2016, followed by the inaugural Nations League title in 2019 and another triumph in 2025. His 146 goals and 234 appearances stand as the defining statistical record of his international career, which has now ended following a disagreement that neither player nor coach had publicly anticipated would bring it to a close.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.