Portugal coach hails Ronaldo after international retirement
by Hassan Muaz · The Eagle OnlinePortugal coach Jorge Jesus has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s decision to retire from international football, describing him as a global icon and an enduring inspiration to the national team.
Jesus praised the 41-year-old’s influence on Portuguese football, revealing that he had placed a large photograph of the former captain in the team’s auditorium to inspire younger players.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, the coach said: “Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team.
“I had a huge photo of him put up in our auditorium so that all the young players could look up to him every single day.”
Jesus also disclosed that he had personally urged Ronaldo to reconsider his decision and continue representing the country, admitting that he wanted the experienced forward by his side.
“I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side. But I have to accept his decision,” he added.
Despite his desire to retain Ronaldo in the national team, the Portuguese coach acknowledged his decision to bring his international career to an end.
He insisted that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward would remain an important figure in the country’s football history.
“He will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people. He will always be an icon of Portuguese football,” he said.
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Ronaldo’s international career was marked by numerous records and achievements, including leading Portugal to victory at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
He retired after making 234 appearances and scoring 146 goals for Portugal, finishing as the leading goalscorer in men’s international football and the most-capped player in the history of the national team.
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