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Jorge Jesus reacts to Cristiano's retirement: "I asked him to continue"
Summarised by MatchPal
Ronaldo retires from international football after 23 years and 146 goals for Portugal; manager Jesus says he asked him to stay.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on Thursday after 23 years representing Portugal, ending his career with 146 goals in 234 matches. He communicated the decision via a five-minute video thanking everyone who had been part of his career.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus responded with praise, saying Ronaldo is a global icon and example for the nation. Jesus revealed he had asked Ronaldo to continue, saying "I needed him by my side," but acknowledged he must accept the decision. The manager added that Ronaldo will always hold a special place in Portuguese hearts and remain an icon for Portuguese football.
Summary by MatchPal from the original report at mundodeportivo.com. Reporting and images belong to the source.
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- Jesus regrets Ronaldo's Portugal departure: 'I asked him to stay'Voetbal International
- Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't accept Portugal reality and it's cost him Lionel Messi farewellMirror
- "He will always be a reference": Portuguese manager breaks silence after Ronaldo's shock retirement announcementRMC Sport
- Jorge Jesus reacts to Cristiano's retirement: "I asked him to continue"Mundo DeportivoThis article
- International press reflects on Ronaldo's international career: praise and criticismVoetbal International
4 more reports
- A bitter end for Ronaldo - the icon who transformed PortugalBBC Sport
- 'He could manage Manchester United' - What next for Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal retirementManchester Evening News
- From the bench to goodbye: the timeline of Cristiano and Jesus's conflictMundo Deportivo
- Ronaldo's Portugal career ended in shame, but at his peak he was a dominant forceESPN
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