Cristiano Ronaldo may have publicly accused him of disrespect, and it’s an open secret that the beginning of the end of his career with the Portuguese national team came after their falling out in O, but Jorge Jesus believes he bears no responsibility for CR7’s departure. As he stated at the press conference where he announced his call-ups for the Nations League, the 41-year-old superstar’s departure from the national team was inevitable as long as he remained on the bench.
“Perhaps things happened a bit too quickly, but not because of me. He already knew that, sooner or later, this moment would come. It was inevitable that it would happen during my tenure as coach. I don’t feel guilty about his departure. I respect his decision and, of course, the legacy he left with the national team. Over the past year and a half, we’ve developed a strong friendship. On a sporting level, he made a different choice—a choice that I deeply respect,” stressed the 72-year-old coach, who confirmed that he had not spoken with Ronaldo prior to yesterday’s announcement.
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“I didn’t speak with Ronaldo because I intended to call him up to the team; I would have had the opportunity to speak with him then. The responsibility remains exactly the same. Portugal’s obligation is to win. The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer part of the national team neither increases nor decreases our responsibility. The expectations remain the same. I’m not sure of his reasons. What I know for certain is that Cristiano Ronaldo worked with me for a year, we had a successful run at the club where we played together, we won championships, and I respect the decision he made. Throughout the years we could have worked together, I always counted on him. I can’t explain the reasons that led him to this decision. He knew the time was approaching for him to leave the national team, and it was his decision when that would happen. He is certainly the best person to explain his reasons,” he said.
*photo source: AP
