‘I needed him by my side’: Jorge Jesus reveals he urged Ronaldo to stay after rift led to Portugal retirement decision

Jorge Jesus wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to remain part of Portugal’s plans, but the national team coach has accepted that he could not persuade the forward to reverse his decision. Speaking after Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday, November 5, Jesus revealed that he had personally asked the 41-year-old to continue representing his country, while also confirming that a photograph of the former captain had been installed at the Portuguese Football Federation’s headquarters as a tribute to his contribution.Jorge Jesus asked Ronaldo to stay with PortugalJesus admitted that he had hoped to retain Ronaldo in the Portugal squad, having worked with the forward for a year at Al Nassr before taking charge of the national team. Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, the coach said he had made his position clear before announcing his first squad, telling Ronaldo that he wanted him involved regardless of whether he was selected to play."We had the opportunity to speak before the first call-up. I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side. But I have to accept his decision," Jesus said.The coach also described Ronaldo as an important figure in Portugal's football history and a role model for younger generations, recognising the influence he has had beyond his performances for the national team."He will always be a reference for our national team, our people and our history," Jesus added.In a further tribute, Jesus said he had arranged for a large photograph of Ronaldo to be displayed in the auditorium of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). He wanted the image to remain visible to young players, colleagues and others using the facility, ensuring that the former captain's contribution would remain part of the environment in which future generations of Portuguese footballers develop.The FPF has also expressed its intention to organise a farewell ceremony in recognition of Ronaldo's service. Its official statement described him as an inspirational leader and the eternal captain, although the details of the proposed event have not yet been finalised.What led to Ronaldo's retirement from Portugal?Ronaldo's announcement followed a difficult period involving his relationship with Jesus, with reports in Portugal pointing to disagreements during the September and October international breaks.The reported tension began after Ronaldo was left on the bench against Norway and subsequently learned that he would not start Portugal's next match against Denmark. He then left the national team's training camp, an incident that reportedly prompted disciplinary action from the FPF. The forward received a 30-day suspension and a fine following the episode. Despite the strained relationship, Ronaldo was included in Portugal's preliminary squad for the November international break, with the team scheduled to face Denmark and WalesJesus had previously insisted that Ronaldo remained welcome in the squad and had made clear that the decision about his international future belonged to the player. In comments last month, he reiterated that position."Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he's the one who will decide how he wants it. In my first call-up, I said, 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you'. And now I'm saying the same thing."Reports also suggested that Ronaldo had informed FPF president Pedro Proença of his decision before making it public, without first discussing it with Jesus. The coach's latest comments make clear that he wanted the forward to stay, even as he acknowledged that the final choice was not his to make.Portugal are due to face Denmark and Wales during the November international break, with Ronaldo's retirement bringing his involvement with the senior national team to an end.Ronaldo leaves Portugal with 146 goals and two major recordsRonaldo's departure closes a 23-year international career that began with his senior debut in August 2003. He finishes as the leading goalscorer in men's international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and holds Portugal's record for the most caps.His greatest team achievement came at Euro 2016, when he captained Portugal to their first major international title. He later helped the country win the Nations League in 2019 and again in 2025.Ronaldo also became the first men's player to score at six different FIFA World Cups, extending that record at the 2026 tournament. His international career combined individual scoring records with a period in which Portugal established itself among the leading teams in European football.His international retirement, however, does not end his club career. He remains with Al Nassr, while his son continues to work towards establishing himself in Portugal's youth teams.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.