Jorge Jesus on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal exit: "I knew nothing, I thought he would return"

Jesus learned of Ronaldo's retirement from international football only after the player's public announcement and was not consulted beforehand.

Jorge Jesus, Portugal's head coach, has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international football. Jesus revealed he was not informed in advance and only learned of CR7's choice on Thursday after the player released a video and public statement.

Jesus admitted he had expected Ronaldo to return for Portugal's remaining Nations League matches, given his recent form and goal-scoring record. "His decision was communicated to me only yesterday, after the video and his statement. Until then I knew nothing," Jesus said. "I certainly thought he would return, that I would call him and speak to him, but I must respect him."

The coach emphasized there is no resentment toward his former captain and stressed that Ronaldo's legacy and symbolic importance to Portuguese football and young players remains significant. Jesus confirmed all his decisions are made with the team's best interests in mind and expressed no concerns about his own position.