Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has responded to the announcement, saying he urged the forward to stay on with the national team.
Ronaldo confirmed his decision in an emotional video posted on social media on Thursday. His final appearance for Portugal came in September's 1-0 Nations League win over Wales.
Fallout over Norway match
Ronaldo remained on the bench for the subsequent game against Norway, which triggered a major dispute with Jesus. The forward claimed Jesus had promised him at least 30 minutes against Norway but failed to bring him on despite asking him to warm up.
The disagreement deepened when Ronaldo accused the coach of breaking a further agreement to explain the decision publicly. Jesus denied making such an agreement and insisted team selection was his responsibility.
Ronaldo subsequently refused to train and left Portugal's camp ahead of their match against Denmark. Doubts over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's international future had emerged following Portugal's World Cup exit in the summer, with Jesus persuading him to stay on.
Jesus pays tribute
Jesus has now responded to the announcement, insisting Ronaldo will always be an icon of Portuguese and world football. "Cris is a global icon - for Portugal and the national team," Jesus said.
"He has given so much to the national team over the years. He is a role model for young Portuguese people - most of his fans are young. I had the opportunity to spend a year with him at Al Nassr."
"He will always be an icon of the national team and our history. I had a large picture of him put up in the auditorium. It is his decision. We had already spoken about this before the first squad announcement."
Jesus spent time with Ronaldo at Al Nassr. "I asked him to stay on with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision. He will always be in the hearts of the Portuguese people and part of the national team. There's no changing that. He will always be an icon of Portuguese football."
Future decided by Ronaldo
Last month, Jesus had made it clear it was up to Ronaldo to decide his future with the national team. He said: "Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he's the one who will decide how he wants it. In my first call-up, I said, 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you'. And now I'm saying the same thing."
Portugal return to Nations League action later this month, facing Denmark and Wales during the international break. Ronaldo, meanwhile, will miss Al Nassr's AFC Champions League trip to Uzbekistan due to security concerns.
The 41-year-old ends his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, having helped Portugal win the European Championship and the Nations League.
