Portugal's coach, Jorge Jesus, has praised Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain decided to retire from international football. He called Ronaldo a global icon and a lasting symbol of Portuguese football.
Jesus spoke about Ronaldo's impact on the national team. He shared that he put up a big photo of Ronaldo in the team's auditorium to motivate the younger players.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, the coach said, "Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team."
"I had a huge photo of him put up in our auditorium so that all the young players could look up to him every single day."
The coach also mentioned that he had asked Ronaldo to keep playing with him. He confessed that he wanted the experienced forward by his side.
"I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side. But I have to accept his decision," he said.
Even though he wished Ronaldo would keep playing for Portugal, Jesus respected his choice. He said the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star would always be a key figure in Portugal's football history.
"He will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people. He will always be an icon of Portuguese football," he added.
Ronaldo's international career is filled with records and achievements. He led Portugal to win the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
His impact on Portuguese football has made him one of the most significant figures in the country’s sports history.
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