Just hours after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international soccer, he received plenty of tributes from celebrities, athletes, and fans across the world. Retired at 41, Ronaldo is known for representing his team in six FIFA World Cups and leading them to the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
With 234 games and 146 goals for Portugal, Ronaldo announced his farewell from international soccer on social media. Shortly after, in an interview with Canal 11, Portugal's manager Jorge Jesus broke his silence and shared that he tried to convince Ronaldo to continue representing his country.
“We had the opportunity to talk about this matter before the first list. I asked him to continue with me,” Jorge Jesus shared, claiming that he intended to keep Ronaldo in the squad. However, following their conversation, Ronaldo decided to finish his international career after 23 years with the team.
“He will always be in the hearts of the Portuguese. He is a global reference, an emblem for our youth and a fundamental piece of our national team’s history,” Jesus said while speaking to Canal 11. (Quotes via Heavy)
The Al-Nassr forward's international retirement comes just weeks after he left the national camp during Portugal's ongoing UEFA Nations League matches after a press conference. Soon after, Ronaldo owned his mistake in doing so and accepted the punishment for it. Ronaldo was suspended from the national team and fined a small amount.
Article Continues BelowWhile no official date for Ronaldo's return was provided, Jesus had claimed that Ronaldo could return if he wanted to. Although not official, many fans have connected Ronaldo's retirement with his recent fallout with Jorge Jesus.