I don’t regret what I did to Ronaldo – Portugal boss declares

“I wouldn’t change anything, absolutely nothing,” Jesus said.

“I made a decision as a coach, putting the interests of my team and the Portuguese national team first. I’m convinced that I didn’t do anything to cause what happened.”

“Maybe I rushed things, but not because of me. It was in his head… But no, I don’t feel guilty about anything regarding his departure. I respect his decision.”

The fallout began in late September when Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, despite warming up in the second half.

Ronaldo Portuguese legend || Imago The 41-year-old subsequently left the national team camp.

Jesus had previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and said the pair had discussed workload management, but the coach maintained all decisions were made with the team’s interests as the priority.

Jesus added that he had expected Ronaldo to return and had even considered calling him up for the current window.

He closed the chapter by noting there are “no hard feelings” and that Ronaldo will always remain a symbol for Portuguese football.