New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus addressed the biggest talking points surrounding the national team during his unveiling on Friday, July 10, opening up on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, his age and the veteran’s place in the squad after retiring from World Cup football.
Jesus took charge after the Portuguese Football Federation moved swiftly following the team’s Round of 16 exit at the FIFA World Cup, ending Roberto Martinez’s tenure and turning to one of the country’s most experienced coaches.
The 71-year-old was officially unveiled at the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) headquarters in Lisbon, where much of the focus centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still had a future with the national team.
Ronaldo had announced after Portugal’s Round of 16 defeat to Spain that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last appearance at the tournament. However, the 41-year-old stopped short of retiring from international football altogether, leaving the door open for a another run with the national side.
Addressing the issue, Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo remains firmly in his plans, although any decision will only be made after the two speak.
“I haven’t spoken to Cris (Cristiano Ronaldo) yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me,” Jesus said.
“When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with.
“I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so.”
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
Jesus also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo’s age alone would determine whether he continues to represent Portugal.
The veteran coach, who himself is 71, insisted physical condition and performance remain the only factors that matter, pointing to his previous spell working with Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
“I’m 71, but I feel 50 because I’m healthy. I train every day, an hour or two. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m convinced we’ll win,” Jesus said.
“Age doesn’t matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover eight kilometres per match, reaching speeds above 25 km/h. He played when I felt it was necessary. Sometimes I wouldn’t even name him to the bench.
“Still on the subject of Cris, he played in 31 of 50 games last year. I substituted him 16 times and there were never any problems.”
Jesus also revealed that his familiarity with several members of Portugal’s current squad could help ease the transition into international management.
“I have a big advantage here because 12 of the players called up for the World Cup have already worked with me,” he added.
A NEW ERA FOR PORTUGAL
The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Portugal after a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.
Unlike Martinez, Jesus arrives with decades of experience in Portuguese football, having managed several of the country’s biggest clubs, including Benfica, Sporting CP and Braga. He has also enjoyed success abroad, winning major honours with Flamengo in Brazil and guiding Al Hilal to a domestic treble before taking charge of Al Nassr.
His relationship with Ronaldo, developed during their time together in Saudi Arabia, could prove significant as Portugal look to balance the presence of their greatest-ever player with the emergence of a new generation ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Jesus’ immediate task will be preparing Portugal for their UEFA Nations League campaign, with his first match in charge set to come against Wales on September 24. However, his comments on Friday made one thing clear: Ronaldo’s international career is not over yet, and any decision on the veteran’s future will be taken only after the pair hold talks.
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