CORNERFLICK
Jorge Jesus has denied causing Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to end his Portugal career, saying he may only have speeded up a process already in the striker’s mind.
Jesus says the decision was Ronaldo's
The 72-year-old said Ronaldo had already been considering whether to accept future call-ups. “No, maybe I made things move a little faster, but it was not because of me,” Jesus said.
He added that he does not feel guilty about Ronaldo's Portugal exit and said he respects the decision Ronaldo has made. “This was in his own mind, whether he would be called up or not. We also spoke at times. In the end this was going to happen, but no, I do not feel guilty about his departure,” he said.
Respect for Ronaldo's record
Jesus also said Ronaldo’s history with Portugal should not be overlooked. He described the forward as a permanent symbol of the national team and said the pair built a strong friendship over the past year and a half.
“He will always be a symbol, and I built a strong friendship with him over this year and a half,” Jesus said. “He made a different sporting decision and, as I said, I have great respect for it.”