Jorge Jesus on Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from international football without informing him:
“I wasn’t surprised by his decision because, from the moment he left the national team camp, I had a feeling he might not return. I knew something wasn’t right, and deep down, I started preparing myself for the possibility that we might have seen the last of him in a Portugal shirt.
“I wanted to speak with him. I wanted to understand what was going through his mind because I still believe Cristiano has so much to offer this team. His experience, leadership and winning mentality are qualities you cannot easily replace.
“But I must respect his decision. Cristiano has given everything to this country, and nobody has the right to question what he feels is best for his career.
“Am I disappointed that he didn’t personally inform me? Perhaps people expected me to be hurt, but I’m not. This is his personal decision, and I respect that completely.
“Sometimes, as a coach, you have to understand that players are human beings before they are footballers. Cristiano has earned the right to decide when and how he wants to close this chapter.
“I will always be grateful for what he has done for Portugal. Whether he informed me or not doesn’t change my respect for him. He will always be one of the greatest players this country has ever produced.”