Portugal pledge to honour Ronaldo as Jesus names first squad after captain's retirement

The Straits Times · The Straits Times · 2026-11-06 13:03 UTC

LISBON, Nov 6 - Portugal pledged to honour Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday as manager Jorge Jesus named his first squad since the captain's international retirement, then faced a barrage of questions about the rift that preceded the departure. Read more at straitstimes.com.

LISBON, Nov 6 - Portugal pledged to honour Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday as manager Jorge Jesus named his first squad since the captain's international retirement, then faced a barrage of questions about the rift that preceded the departure.

The 41-year-old announced his decision on social media on Thursday, ending a Portugal career spanning 234 appearances and 146 goals. Portuguese FA president Pedro Proenca promised to celebrate Ronaldo's contribution, although there was no word on whether the forward would agree to a farewell appearance.

"No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal," Proenca said before the squad announcement.

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