By Fatma Younis
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he learned of Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football at the same time as the public, denying any prior notice from the 41-year-old forward.
Jesus: 'I found out when we all did'
Ronaldo announced his decision in an Instagram video on Thursday, the day before Jesus was scheduled to name his squad for this month's Nations League fixtures. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Jesus said Ronaldo had been on his squad list after serving a 30-day suspension that did not include any national team matches.
"I found out when we all did," Jesus said. "Until then, I knew nothing about it. He was playing, he was scoring goals; he was one of the players on my squad list."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner left the Portugal camp in September after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo later accused Jesus of breaking his word but accepted punishment for his early departure, stating at the time he would not retire.
Proenca pledges tribute
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca said no tribute would be enough to thank Ronaldo for his contributions. "The best way to honour and celebrate him is to honour his boundless ambition, to always play to win, to never be afraid of being the best in the world," Proenca said.
Ronaldo ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, both men's world records, and helped Portugal win Euro 2016. His final appearance was a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon on 24 September.
