Portuguese Federation pledges to honor Ronaldo after international retirement
Portuguese Federation president pledges to honor Ronaldo after international retirement following dispute with coach
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- Bruinza: "The Don" is the greatest player in the history of Portuguese football... and the national team will remain his home
- Jesus: I intended to call up Ronaldo for the national team and hold no grudge against him
Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Broinza pledged on Friday to honor star Cristiano Ronaldo in recognition of his illustrious international career, affirming that the national team will remain his home, following the player’s announcement of his retirement from international football amid a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
Speaking before a press conference to announce the Portuguese national team squad, Broinza stated that Ronaldo is the greatest player in the history of Portuguese football, praising his exceptional career during which he played 234 international matches and scored 146 goals.
He added that Ronaldo was not just an exceptional player, but an inspiring leader and a symbol of the Portuguese national team, contributing to historic achievements and raising his country’s name worldwide, while also inspiring generations of young players.
Broinza emphasized that no tribute would be sufficient to thank Ronaldo for his contributions to Portuguese football, vowing to make every effort to immortalize his legacy and celebrate his achievements. He stressed that the best way to honor him would be for the national team to continue playing with a winning spirit and striving to be among the best in the world.
He sent a message to Ronaldo, affirming that the Portuguese national team will always be his home, and that he will remain its historical captain and one of its most prominent symbols, without announcing any specific date or arrangements for a farewell match.
In the same context, coach Jorge Jesus announced a 28-player squad for the UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales, marking the first call-up since Ronaldo’s international retirement announcement on Thursday.
Jesus stated during the press conference that he had expected Ronaldo’s return to the national team and intended to call him up and speak with him, but was surprised by the retirement announcement. He noted that he learned of the decision at the same time as the public and had no prior knowledge of it.
He clarified that he had not attempted to contact Ronaldo during his suspension, affirming that he holds no grudge against him, that all his decisions were made in the best interest of the national team, and that he feels at ease with them.
Jesus refused to reopen the debate surrounding Ronaldo’s previous message in which he accused Jesus of breaking his promises, considering the matter closed for him. He emphasized his respect for the retirement decision and Ronaldo’s historic status in Portuguese football.
The squad included first-time call-ups for Alberto Costa and Gustavo Varela, ahead of the match against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
This comes after a crisis erupted between Ronaldo and Jesus following the player’s departure from the national team camp last September, amid disagreements over the coach’s decisions. No reconciliation meeting between the two parties, referred to in the media as the "Peace Summit," has been announced.
