Portugal national team manager Jorge Jesus has revealed he considered calling up Cristiano Ronaldo before the legendary forward's retirement from international football. The disclosure came during a recent press conference where Jesus discussed his squad planning and the potential involvement of the all-time leading men's international goalscorer.
Ronaldo, who holds the record for most international goals with 130 for Portugal, had been a mainstay of the national team for nearly two decades before announcing his retirement from international duty. Jesus, who took charge of the Portuguese side recently, indicated that the door had been open for a possible return before Ronaldo made his final decision.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Manchester United in late 2022. His international career spanned 206 appearances, including five European Championships and five World Cups, culminating in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph.
