Portugal: Jorge Jesus reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's announcement

Following Cristiano Ronaldo's announcement, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus reacted to the legend's international retirement.

Jorge Jesus will forever be seen as the man who pushed Cristiano Ronaldo towards international retirement. Although the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had publicly voiced his disagreement with the way he handled things, coach Jorge Jesus was asked to respond to CR7's announcement earlier in the day.

On Thursday, the former Real Madrid player officially brought his time with the Seleção to an end, meaning he will not be involved in the next squad gathering.

Jesus pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

Speaking to Canal11, the Portugal coach reacted to the announcement and made no secret of his distress at the 41-year-old forward's decision. "Cris is a global icon, a reference point for Portugal and for the national team. I had a large picture of him installed in our auditorium so that all the young players could have that example before their eyes every day," he said.

He added: “I asked him to continue with me, because I needed him by my side. But I have to accept his decision. He will always remain in the hearts of the Portuguese people. He will always be a reference point in Portuguese football.”

An era in Portugal has come to an end!

Read also: Ivory Coast: Hervé Renard's squad to face Gambia

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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