Portugal coach pays tribute to Ronaldo after retirement

Portugal coach, Jorge Jesus, has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portugal captain’s decision to retire from international football, describing him as a global icon and an enduring symbol of Portuguese football.

Jesus praised Ronaldo’s influence on the national team and revealed that he had placed a huge photograph of the forward in the team’s auditorium to inspire young players.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, the coach was quoted as saying, “Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team,” Jesus said.

“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.”

The Portuguese coach also disclosed that he had personally asked Ronaldo to continue playing alongside him, admitting that he needed 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 expressing his desire for Ronaldo to continue representing Portugal, Jesus acknowledged the decision and insisted that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward would always 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.

Ronaldo’s international career has been defined by numerous records and achievements, including leading Portugal to victory at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

His contribution to Portuguese football has made him one of the most influential figures in the country’s sporting history.