Ronaldo retires from international football after falling out with Portugal manager Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, bringing an abrupt end to his Portugal career after a breakdown in his relationship with manager Jorge Jesus during the current international break.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr striker met Jesus in a hastily arranged crisis meeting on Wednesday after being left out of Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway. The talks failed to resolve the dispute, and Ronaldo subsequently informed the Portuguese Football Federation of his decision to step away from the national team.

Ronaldo confirmed the news in a statement posted to Instagram. “After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team,” he wrote. “In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”

The statement leaves open the question of exactly what was said between Ronaldo and Jesus, with the forward promising a fuller explanation at a later date. His reference to a press conference by the national team suggests comments made publicly by Jesus or federation officials may have played a role in his decision.

Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and record appearance-maker, having represented his country since his debut in 2003. He captained the side to victory at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, cementing his status as the most decorated player in the nation’s history.

His exit comes at a sensitive moment for Portugal, mid-way through an international window, and leaves Jesus to manage the fallout with a squad that will now prepare for their remaining fixtures without their captain and talisman.