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Portugal pledge to honour Ronaldo as Jesus names first squad after captain's retirement

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In short

The Portuguese FA has promised to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy following his retirement announcement on social media, though federation president Pedro Proenca did not confirm any farewell match. In response to the icon's exit, manager Jorge Jesus introduced seven new players, including five from the Under-21 squad, ahead of fixtures against Wales and Denmark. Jesus revealed he was unaware of the retirement until it was publicly posted, having initially included the forward on his preliminary roster. The manager also addressed questions about a past rift, maintaining that his team selections carry no personal animosity.

Key points

  • Portuguese FA leadership remains committed to celebrating Ronaldo's historic career despi…: Portuguese FA leadership remains committed to celebrating Ronaldo's historic career despite ongoing uncertainty regarding a formal farewell appearance.
  • Jorge Jesus maintained that all squad choices are strategic and confirmed he had no advan…: Jorge Jesus maintained that all squad choices are strategic and confirmed he had no advance knowledge of Ronaldo's decision to retire.
  • The national team is rapidly pivoting toward a younger roster as it navigates the immedia…: The national team is rapidly pivoting toward a younger roster as it navigates the immediate aftermath of the former captain's departure.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

LISBON, Nov 6 : Portugal pledged to honour Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday as manager Jorge Jesus named his first squad since the captain's international retirement, then faced a barrage of questions about the rift that preceded the departure.

The 41-year-old announced his decision on social media on Thursday, ending a Portugal career spanning 234 appearances and 146 goals. Portuguese FA president Pedro Proenca promised to celebrate Ronaldo's contribution, although there was no word on whether the forward would agree to a farewell appearance.

"No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal," Proenca said before the squad announcement.

"We will do everything we can to honour the legacy he leaves us. Everything he has done deserves to be honoured and celebrated."

Jesus selected seven new faces, including five players from the Under-21s, for November's Nations League matches against Wales and Denmark, but Ronaldo's absence dominated proceedings.

The forward left Portugal's camp without permission at the end of September, ahead of a Nations League match against Denmark, and did not return.…

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