Jorge Jesus admitted he was surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to retire from international duty, but the Portugal boss said he felt no guilt about his choice to do so. 

Ronaldo brought the curtain down on his Portugal career earlier this week, departing as the leading scorer and appearance-maker in the history of men's internationals. 

The 41-year-old scored 146 goals in 234 games after making his debut for Portugal in 2003, while also captaining the team to their first-ever major trophy at Euro 2016. 

He also lifted the Nations League trophy twice in 2019 and 2025, and after Portugal's round-of-16 exit at this year's World Cup, many expected Ronaldo to hang up his boots. 

Instead, he was convinced to stay on by the FPF (Portuguese Football Federation), only to leave the Portugal camp during the last international break after being left on the bench during a win over Norway in the Nations League. 

Ronaldo was subsequently given a 30-day suspension by the FPF, but ahead of this month's meetings with Denmark and Norway, he decided to walk away from the national team.

Jesus named his latest squad for Portugal's upcoming Nations League fixtures this month, with the likes of Alberto Costa, Antonio Silva and Matheus Fernandes the standout names among the seven changes he made. 

But in a press conference dominated by questions about Ronaldo, Jesus insisted he did not feel responsible for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision. 

"No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me," Jesus said. "It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups.

"We also talked about it a few times. And if it was going to happen. But no, I don't feel guilty about anything regarding his departure. I respect his decision."

Uma história que fica para sempre. 𝙊𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙙𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙤, 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖̃𝙤  https://t.co/OSKr7L7xMW

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 5, 2026

Ronaldo's final game for Portugal came in a 1-0 win over Wales in the Nations League in Lisbon. He was then an unused substitute for the first time in 18 years against Norway. 

Although Ronaldo apologised to his team-mates for walking out and expressed his desire to continue playing for the national team, he did not do so to Jesus.

Still, Jesus – who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr before taking over Portugal in July – said he intended to name Ronaldo in his latest squad.

"I thought he would return," Jesus added. "I certainly intended to call him up. "He felt that this was the right moment to leave, and that must be respected.

"We can never overlook what he has meant to Portugal, what he has contributed to the country, or the fact that he serves as a symbol for younger players."