Luiz Felipe Scolari, the manager who handed Cristiano Ronaldo his international debut in 2003, has publicly backed the forward’s decision to retire from the Portuguese national team. In a video shared with the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Scolari told the 41-year-old forward that he had made the correct choice to conclude his 23-year career with the squad.

“Ronaldo, you did well. You are calm, you made the right decision,” Scolari said in the message, as reported by A Bola. The Brazilian coach, who led Portugal from 2003 to 2008, emphasized the personal bond developed during their time together, noting that the forward’s legacy with the national team would be remembered by generations of fans. You were one of the athletes that Portugal will never forget, Scolari added.

Ronaldo announced his departure from the national team this past Thursday. He concludes his international career as the top scorer in the history of global football, tallying 146 goals in 234 appearances. His trophy cabinet with Portugal includes the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League titles. Under Scolari’s leadership, the team reached the final of the 2004 European Championship held on home soil and progressed to the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup.

Scolari Recalls the 2003 Debut

Reflecting on the early stages of the forward’s career, Scolari noted that the decision to call up a young Ronaldo from Manchester United was supported by the work of his assistants and scouts within the Portuguese youth development system. Scolari credited staff members like Murtosa and Rui for identifying the potential in the young athlete before his eventual debut.

Scolari described the forward as one of the most dedicated players he ever managed, citing not only technical ability but also professional discipline. “He was one of the great players I had the honor to coach. Not only as a player, but also as a person. He achieved everything he desired because he worked for it,” Scolari stated.

Contrast in Departure and Recent Tensions

The announcement of Ronaldo’s retirement followed a period of reported friction within the national team setup. According to ESPN, the forward’s relationship with current head coach Jorge Jesus had become strained in recent weeks. Tensions surfaced in late September during a Nations League match against Norway, where Ronaldo reportedly remained on the bench despite warming up for 30 minutes.

The disagreement led to Ronaldo leaving the team’s training camp, resulting in a suspension and fine from the Portuguese Football Federation. While Jorge Jesus confirmed in an interview with Canal 11 that he had spoken with the player about his role, he maintained that the decision to retire was Ronaldo’s alone to make. The conflict intensified when Jesus addressed the player’s refusal to accept bench duty: Never, zero, he said. Following the subsequent match against Denmark, the coach opened the door for the star to return.

In his own farewell statement, Ronaldo expressed his pride in representing his country, acknowledging both the triumphs and the difficulties faced during his tenure. “There were perfect afternoons and nights. There were victories I will never forget. There were defeats that still hurt to remember,” the forward wrote in his announcement. He thanked his teammates, staff, and the Portuguese people, noting that the experience of hearing the national anthem was a highlight he would carry with him for life. The announcement was delivered via a five-minute video where the player sat alone in a room while footage of his career played over him.

Jorge Jesus Praises Ronaldo as a Symbol for Portuguese Youth

While Ronaldo steps away from the pitch, Jorge Jesus noted that the forward remains a reference point for Portuguese youth. “He is a symbol for Portuguese youth, and most of his fans are young,” Jesus stated, noting he had worked with the player at Al Nassr: I had the opportunity to share [this] throughout the year I worked with him at Al Nassr.

Scolari concluded his message by reinforcing his ongoing affection for the player and the country. “I am happy, glad that he made this decision. He will always be with me, in my heart, which is for Portugal, for him, and for the people I met there,” he said.

The farewell was reportedly anticipated in order to avoid a call-up for this month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures, contrasting with the departure of Lionel Messi, who retired in front of 80,000 fans at the Monumental de Nuñez stadium in Buenos Aires alongside emotional teammates.