Portugal Coach Has No Regrets Over Ronaldo's Retirement, Says 'I Have No Guilt'

Staff Report | PNN

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has said he has no regrets or feelings of guilt over Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football. The coach also admitted that Ronaldo's announcement of his departure from the national team came as a surprise to him. He had expected the experienced forward to continue representing Portugal for some more time.

Last Thursday (November 5), Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football in a video message posted on social media, reading a letter addressed to his supporters. Following the announcement, speculation emerged over whether strained relations with coach Jesus had played any role in the footballer's decision.

In his immediate reaction to Ronaldo's announcement, Jesus said the decision was entirely personal. He also revealed that he had requested Ronaldo to remain with the national team. However, he said there was nothing he could do other than respect the player's final decision.

On Friday (November 6), Ronaldo's retirement once again became a topic of discussion at a press conference where Jesus announced Portugal's squad ahead of their Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. The coach made it clear that he did not consider himself responsible for Ronaldo's retirement.

Speaking at the press conference, Jesus said, "Perhaps I acted a little hastily, but not because of me (Ronaldo's retirement). Whether he was called up to the team more often or less often was already on his mind. We had several conversations about this. I have no feelings of guilt whatsoever about his departure. I respect his decision."

Jesus also said he had hoped Ronaldo would return to the national team. According to him, he had expected Ronaldo to come back, allowing him to include the forward in the squad and discuss the matter with him. However, Ronaldo made the decision to leave international football himself.

Jesus further said Ronaldo believed it was the right time to bid farewell to the national team. Therefore, his decision should be respected, the Portugal coach added.

During his long and successful career with Portugal, Ronaldo remained one of the team's most important players and a key source of strength. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the country's international football history. However, the coach's comments make it clear that he considers the retirement decision entirely Ronaldo's own.