Portugal coach 'knew nothing' about Ronaldo retiring

Jesus learned of Ronaldo's retirement decision from social media like everyone else, having planned to select him for the Nations League squad.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he had no advance warning of Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football, announced via Instagram video on Thursday. Jesus was preparing to name his squad for this month's Nations League fixtures and had intended to include the Al-Nassr forward, who had just completed a 30-day suspension.

Ronaldo, 41, left the Portugal camp in September after being told he would not start against Denmark, later claiming Jesus had "broken his word". Jesus became visibly annoyed when pressed on the dispute at Friday's news conference, insisting all his decisions were made with the team in mind.

Ronaldo's final appearance was a 1-0 win over Wales on 24 September, taking his international record to 146 goals from 234 games — both men's world records. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca pledged to honour the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward, saying "no tribute will ever be enough" for his contribution to Portuguese football.