Ronaldo Ends His Portugal Career After 234 Games, and Jorge Jesus Names His First Squad Without Him Today
The 41-year-old said in a video that it was time to hand back the number 7 shirt. The FPF promises a public tribute; Jesus, who planned to call him up, names his squad for Denmark in Braga and Wales in Cardiff at noon.
Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his international career. The 41-year-old announced on Thursday 5 November, in a video on his social media channels, that he would no longer play for Portugal, and at noon today (Friday 6 November) head coach Jorge Jesus names his first squad without him. It closes a dispute that began when the captain walked out of the team's camp in Copenhagen on 30 September.
What Ronaldo said
In the video Ronaldo read a letter to the Portuguese, published in full by Notícias ao Minuto. "The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt," he said, adding that he had never felt it was his alone. He said a journey that began in August 2003 was over, and that when he looked back he saw people rather than goals or trophies, among them "emigrants who, for 90 minutes, felt Portugal a little closer". He said he would keep supporting the team as a fan.
The federation's response
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) issued a statement the same day thanking its "eternal captain" and citing his record of 234 international caps and 146 goals. It said it "refuses to let this farewell happen without due tribute" and wants to organise a public homage where fans can applaud him once more. "This will always be your home," it ended. According to Notícias ao Minuto, he leaves with three titles: Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
How the Copenhagen walkout led here
Ronaldo left the camp on the eve of Portugal's 4 to 2 win over Denmark. As the Brief reported on 10 October, the FPF's Conselho de Disciplina (Disciplinary Council) then opened an urgent case against him. On 19 October it suspended him from the national team for 30 days and fined him 255 euros under article 160 of the federation's disciplinary rules, which covers a called-up player who leaves a national team activity, Euronews reported. The ruling counted the suspension from 1 October.
The ban ended on 30 October, leaving him free to be picked for November. Notícias ao Minuto, citing the sports daily A Bola, reports that Jesus intended to call him up and was caught by surprise: Ronaldo told FPF president Pedro Proença of his decision but not the coach. Ronaldo had accused Jesus of breaking his word over his playing time. Speaking to Canal 11, Jesus said he had asked Ronaldo to carry on "but I have to accept his decision".
What comes next
Jesus announces his squad at a press conference at the Cidade do Futebol, the federation's headquarters in Oeiras, for the last two Nations League group matches, according to Lusa via Notícias ao Minuto:
- Portugal v Denmark, Saturday 14 November, Estádio Municipal de Braga.
- Wales v Portugal, Tuesday 17 November, Cardiff City Stadium.
Portugal, the holders, have already reached the quarter-finals with 12 points from 12 and need only to secure first place in their group. Francisco Conceição is suspended for both games after his red card against Norway.
What it means for you
The Braga match on 14 November is the national team's first game since Ronaldo's announcement. The FPF has not yet said when or where its promised tribute will be held.
