Manager on Ronaldo retirement: "Entirely his own decision"

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team on Thursday. During the last training camp, manager Jorge Jesus played a decisive role in the national hero's departure.

Speaking to "Canal 11", the national team manager addressed Ronaldo's decision. "We already had the opportunity to talk about it before the first call-up. I asked him to continue, to stay with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision," Jesus said.

He also emphasized that it was "entirely his own decision."

The 72-year-old also paid tribute to Ronaldo's legacy. "He is a player who has given a lot to the national team over the years. He is a symbol for Portuguese youth," Jesus explained. Ronaldo will also "always remain a role model for our national team, our people, and our history."

"I had a large picture of him put up"

The five-time World Footballer of the Year's presence at the national team center will be preserved through a special gesture in the future as well. "I had a large picture of him put up there so that all the young people — and not just them, but also the colleagues we have in this auditorium every day — always have his example right before their eyes."

Finally, Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo will "always remain in the hearts of the Portuguese people and in the national team, there is no way around that."