Oeiras (TDI): Newly appointed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has said Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to be considered for the national team as long as he remains fit and available for selection, insisting the veteran forward will “never” be a problem for Portugal.
Jesus was officially announced as Portugal’s new coach on Friday following the departure of Roberto Martinez after the team’s Round of 16 exit at the FIFA World Cup.
The 71-year-old said he had not yet spoken to Ronaldo about his international future but planned to hold discussions with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the coming days.
“As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will call him up, within certain limits and under the conditions that I believe are best for the national team,” Jesus told reporters. “I haven’t spoken with Cris yet. Cris is never going to be a problem for the national team, nor for me.”
Describing Ronaldo as one of Portugal’s greatest football icons, Jesus said the 41-year-old’s contribution to the national team would remain part of the country’s football history. “Cris is a symbol of Portuguese football and a symbol of the national team. He will forever be part of our history,” he said.
Read More: Belgium Crush USA to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals, Spain End Ronaldo’s Final Campaign
Jesus, who worked with Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr before leaving in May after leading the club to the Saudi Pro League title, said he enjoyed coaching the veteran striker and expected him to continue playing at club level. “I know he wants to keep playing for Al-Nassr because he always told me, ‘I’m going to finish my career at Al-Nassr’,” Jesus said.
Read More: Spain Beat Belgium to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals
Ronaldo came under criticism for his performances during the ongoing World Cup, where Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the last 16. Although he has said the tournament was his final World Cup, he has not yet confirmed whether he will continue representing Portugal.
Jesus has signed a contract that will keep him in charge of Portugal through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
