He said goodbye to the national team: Cristiano Ronaldo statement from Jorge Jesus!

Portuguese National Team Coach Jorge Jesus made a statement about Cristiano Ronaldo, who said goodbye to the national team.

Jesus said that they should accept this decision of the 41-year-old star with respect and said that Ronaldo will always be a symbol for Portugal.

"HE WILL ALWAYS BE AN ICON OF PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL"

Jorge Jesus' words are as follows:

"This is Ronaldo's decision. We had the opportunity to talk about it before the first squad announcement. I asked him to continue, to stay with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision.

He is a reference around the world, a reference for Portugal, a reference for the national team. A player who has contributed a lot to the national team over the years. A symbol for Portuguese youth. Most of his fans are young people. I had the opportunity to share this experience during the year I worked with him at Al Nassr. Therefore, he will always remain a reference for our national team, our people and our history.

In fact, in our conference hall... I wanted him to hang a big picture of him in the conference hall so that all the young people in that hall every day, and not only the young people but also our colleagues, could see his mark.

"Ronaldo will always be in the hearts of the Portuguese and the national team, and this will not change because he will always be an icon of Portuguese football."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was invited to the Portuguese National Team for the first time this season, left the camp after the problems he had with coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo, who left the national team camp after being on the bench in the Norway match, later apologized to the fans and teammates and accused Jesus of not keeping his promises regarding the time he gave him.

PORTUGAL GIVES A PENALTY

In his statement at that time, Ronaldo stated that he was ready to play in the national team again after serving a possible penalty imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation. The Portuguese Football Federation later announced that Ronaldo was fined 255 Euros and a 30-day ban.

Ronaldo also said that he was preparing his retirement letter after the 2026 World Cup, but federation president Pedro Proença convinced him to continue.

146 GOALS IN 234 MATCHES FOR THE PORTUGUESE NATIONAL TEAM

Ronaldo, who is the football player who played the most matches with 234 matches in his national team career, is also at the top in this field with 146 goals.

The 41-year-old football player, who last played in the 2026 World Cup organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada, was recorded as the first person to score a goal in six different World Cups.

Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2016 European Championship and 2019/2025 UEFA Nations League championships with the Portuguese National Team.