'I thought he'd come back': Jesus on Ronaldo retirement

France 24 · France 24 · 2026-11-06 15:19 UTC

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said on Friday he had expected Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team despite their highly publicised rift, but respected the veteran forward's decision to retire from international football.

Lisbon (AFP) – Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said on Friday he had expected Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team despite their highly publicised rift, but respected the veteran forward's decision to retire from international football.

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Ronaldo, 41, announced on Thursday that he would not play for Portugal again, bringing the curtain down on a record-breaking international career after a bitter end.

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