Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença convinced forward Cristiano Ronaldo not to retire from international football following the 2026 World Cup, according to statements made by the player on Tuesday.
Ronaldo also revealed that he agreed with the federation's appointment of Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the national team.
The details were outlined in a letter accessed by news agency Lusa, written by Ronaldo less than a week after he left Portugal's training camp in Copenhagen. In the document, the 41-year-old forward provided a direct, first-person account of the circumstances surrounding the national squad's recent international gathering.
Ronaldo recalled returning home after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Following the tournament exit, he had prepared a letter addressed to the Portuguese public, which he still keeps, containing the message he intends to deliver when he permanently steps away from the national side.
Retirement plans and coaching consultation
However, during the flight back from the United States at the conclusion of the World Cup, Proença asked and insisted that Ronaldo reconsider his decision to step down, explaining that the federation wanted him to remain part of the team.
Immediately after asking him to stay, Proença sought Ronaldo's opinion on appointing Jorge Jesus as head coach. Proença was considering Jesus alongside other candidates whose names were not disclosed to the captain. Ronaldo told the federation president that in his view, Jesus would be the right choice for the role.
When Jesus was officially presented as Portugal manager, Ronaldo stated that he was genuinely happy with the selection. He reiterated that hiring the veteran coach was the correct decision, adding that subsequent team results have proven the choice to be successful.
Jesus, 72, previously guided Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club where Ronaldo plays, to the Saudi league championship last season.
Pre-season planning and squad gathering
Following his summer holiday, Ronaldo met with Jesus at the Cidade do Futebol training complex in Oeiras, near Lisbon. During that meeting, the player and manager agreed on a structured plan for Ronaldo's participation in the first four fixtures of the UEFA Nations League.
During their discussions in Oeiras, Jesus told Ronaldo that he was counting on him and that the forward's presence was fundamental to his tactical project. Prior to the squad assembling for international duty, Jesus also visited Ronaldo's home in Lisbon at the manager's own request. Ronaldo noted that the conversation was calm and that all principles agreed upon in August remained intact.
Ronaldo refused to be excused from Portugal's opening Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Norway, emphasizing that his role as team captain required his presence. On September 24, Ronaldo started in Portugal's opening Group A4 match against Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, which Portugal won 1-0.
Although he was substituted during the match, Ronaldo handed the captain's armband directly to teammate Bruno Fernandes without issue. He noted that at the time, he did not imagine he might be taking his final steps as an international player and team captain, emphasizing that the victory for his country was the most important outcome of the day.
Training camp departure in Copenhagen
Three days later, on September 27, Portugal traveled to face Norway, securing a 2-1 away victory. Ronaldo was named as an unused substitute for the match. Following the final whistle, he left the pitch dissatisfied and did not join his teammates in applauding the traveling Portuguese supporters.
The incident led Proença to travel to Copenhagen, where the squad was based ahead of their next fixture against Denmark. On Wednesday, September 30, Ronaldo abruptly left the national team training camp in the Danish capital following a pre-match press conference conducted by Jesus.
Ronaldo revealed that on the morning of that press conference, he held a meeting with both Proença and Jesus. He explained that he asked them directly to be frank with him, stating that if they no longer wanted him in the squad, they should tell him clearly.
The forward stated that he promised to accept such a decision without anger and suggested they work together to arrange a proper farewell. However, Ronaldo said both Proença and Jesus responded in unison, insisting that his place remained with the national team.
Apology, sanctions and international record
Following his departure from the training camp, Ronaldo submitted written apologies to both the Portuguese supporters and his international teammates, taking full responsibility for his actions.
Recognizing the openness shown by Proença and Jesus regarding a potential return, Ronaldo expressed his willingness to serve a disciplinary penalty or suspension and return to the national team in time to be honored.
Addressing media commentary regarding potential farewell matches, Ronaldo acknowledged hearing frequent discussion about receiving a dignified send-off from the federation. Reflecting on his upbringing, he noted that growing up hungry with nothing to eat taught him that nothing in life is given away easily.
While promising fans and the Portuguese public that proper farewell matches will take place in due course, Ronaldo insisted that when he reflects on representing the national side, his primary focus remains on active competition.
Ronaldo is the all-time record holder for both appearances and goals in men's international football, having earned 234 caps and scored 146 goals for Portugal. Over his career, he has captained his country to major silverware, including victory at UEFA Euro 2016 in France, as well as UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
