"I feel guilty of nothing": Jorge Jesus clarifies position after Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement

Jesus denies responsibility for Ronaldo's retirement, saying he learned of the decision at the same time as the public and had planned to select him.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday, ending a month of tension with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus over playing time in a Nations League match against Norway. Jesus held a press conference Friday to announce his squad for upcoming matches against Wales and Denmark, with Ronaldo notably absent.

Jesus stated he was not forewarned of Ronaldo's decision and learned of it when the player's video was released. He said he had intended to call Ronaldo into the squad and expressed respect for the 41-year-old's choice to step away. "There is no animosity," Jesus emphasized, adding that Ronaldo's departure would have marked his tenure regardless of when it occurred.

The manager acknowledged being linked to the end of Portugal's greatest icon but rejected suggestions he forced the retirement. Jesus noted that Ronaldo knew his time was approaching and made his own decision about when to leave.