Jorge Jesus' influence on Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell to the national team

The 41-year-old star football player holds the records for both the most appearances and the most goals scored by a male player in a national team, with 146 goals scored in 234 matches with the Portuguese National Team.

Ronaldo played his last match with the national team in the UEFA Nations League in September. The match in which Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 was the experienced football player's last match in the national jersey.

This farewell of Ronaldo, who won the 2016 European Championship (EURO 2016) and the UEFA Nations League twice with his country, left question marks in mind.

Some international media outlets claimed that the disagreement between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus was effective in the Portuguese star's decision to end his national team career.

Sean Gillen, the writer of PortuGOAL, which publishes about Portuguese football, stated in his statement to the Anadolu Agency reporter that Ronaldo's farewell was the beginning of a new era in Portugal and that the star player left the national team at the right time.

Emphasizing that the problems with coach Jorge Jesus also affected Ronaldo's decision, Gillen said, "Perhaps he was planning to say goodbye to the national team after the end of the UEFA Nations League next summer, but the disagreement he had with Jesus may have caused him to bring this decision forward. Personally, Jesus managed this process very consciously and probably made Ronaldo feel that he was no longer wanted." he commented.

Portugal won the first international cup in its history under Ronaldo's leadership

Emphasizing the importance of Ronaldo leading Portugal to the EURO 2016 championship, Gillen underlined that this first cup is a special moment that cannot be compared to any other success.

Gillen said: "By winning the European Championship in 2016, he brought his country the first international trophy in its history. Even if Portugal had won the World Cup this summer, I am not sure that it could match the feeling of victory in 2016. It was very important that he added EURO 2016 and two Nations League titles to this career." he said.

"Ronaldo could have achieved much more if he had played with a stronger Portuguese squad in the most productive period of his career." The British journalist said, "He will complete his career as the top scorer in the history of football. It is indisputable that the records and figures he pursued with great determination are the cornerstones of his legacy." he said.

Leadership in Portugal after Ronaldo

Emphasizing that he thinks Jesus aims to form "a group of leaders" instead of a single person after Ronaldo, Gillen said that Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias are the strongest candidates for the captaincy.

Stating that a more fluid game in the offensive line will be preferred after Ronaldo's departure, the British journalist said, "Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are approaching the later stages of their careers, they will need to prove themselves before the 2028 European Championship. Now the issue of strikers will be on the agenda more. Gonçalo Ramos is shown as a possible candidate for this task, but he has not yet made a strong start after being transferred to Milan. Joao Felix, on the other hand, has given signs that he enjoys taking on more responsibility. However, it is yet to make a definitive assessment." early." he said.

"What is the most important moment in Ronaldo's 23-year national team career?" Answering the question, Gillen underlined that the EURO 2016 final was the most unforgettable moment.

Gillen concluded his words as follows:

"This story will continue to give goosebumps to every Portuguese and will be passed on to new generations with all its dramatic aspects. Portugal was not the favorite against the host France. It was a heartbreaking moment when Ronaldo, the best player of the tournament, got injured and left the game in tears. The images of him limping around the sideline and trying to motivate his teammates to achieve a surprise victory are unforgettable."