Portugal’s Tribute to Ronaldo in Nations League Shrouded in Mystery: Will the Legend Appear?

Jorge Jesus reacts to the tribute

The Portugal coach was asked about the homage at his press conference on the eve of the match, where he explained that the idea did not originate with him or his staff. “Such decisions are always the responsibility of the Portuguese Football Federation, more specifically its football and sporting departments and its president,” he said.

Even so, he was quick to praise it: “It is brilliant because nobody can forget the 23 years Cris spent with the national team, what he achieved for Portugal, and the impact he has had on the world of football”.

Jesus, who worked with Ronaldo for a year, added that he knows him well and understands how important he is “not only to the younger players and the next generation, but to everyone”. He closed with a reminder of what the player means for the country: “We must never forget that he is a legend of Portuguese football”.

The tribute in Braga gives Portugal a chance to say goodbye properly to a player whose exit from the national team did not come in the best way, after weeks of tension with Jesus. For Ronaldo, who spent 23 years with the team, it could be the closing chapter that the circumstances of his retirement did not allow, if he decides to be there.

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