"He will always be a reference": Portuguese manager breaks silence after Ronaldo's shock retirement announcement

Jesus paid tribute to Ronaldo after the 39-year-old announced his international retirement, saying he had asked him to stay but respects his decision.

Jorge Jesus broke his silence following Cristiano Ronaldo's shock announcement of his international retirement from Portugal. The manager said he had previously asked Ronaldo to remain with the squad but must accept his decision.

Jesus paid extensive tribute to the 39-year-old, calling him "a world reference, a reference for Portugal, a reference for the national team" and praising his years of service to the squad. He noted that Ronaldo's image hangs in the federation's auditorium as inspiration for young players and that he will "forever remain in the heart of the Portuguese people."

The two had worked together at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but parted on tense terms in late September when Ronaldo left the Nations League camp mid-gathering, citing two betrayals by his manager. Ronaldo announced his retirement on Instagram without informing Jesus beforehand, notifying only the federation president Pedro Proença.