“I don’t feel guilty.” Jesus’ first comment after Ronaldo retired from international football

- Jorge Jesus, coach of the Portugal national team, commented on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from international football. Ronaldo had decided to end his career with his country's national team a short period of time after he withdrew from the team's camp during the last international break.

Cristiano said earlier that his departure from the camp came after a dispute with Jesus, saying that the coach “broke his promises.” While Jorge Jesus said in a press conference: “I thought Cristiano would return. I intended to call him and talk to him, but I have to respect his decision. He thought it was time to leave the national team.”

He added: "This had to happen sooner or later. I learned about the retirement at the same time as the general public. Until that moment, I knew nothing about the matter." Regarding his dispute with Ronaldo, which occurred due to him not participating in the matches, Jesus said: “I made a decision as a coach, and it is a decision I made with my team in mind. I am certain that I did not do anything to cause this to happen,” explaining: “I do not feel any guilt about anything.”

During his international career, which spanned nearly 23 years, Ronaldo won the 2016 European Nations Cup and two European Nations League championships. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 matches he played for his country.