Cristiano Ronaldo should abandon awkward Portugal cheerleading role – it’s time to follow Lionel Messi’s lead & retire

Jorge Jesus worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, and they built up a strong relationship. Ronaldo continued to be the leading man in the side, and finally captured his first Saudi Pro League title, scoring 28 goals along the way.

Portugal came calling for Jesus in the summer after Roberto Martinez’s exit, and it was no surprise when the former Benfica boss included Ronaldo in his first squad. “Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal and the national team,” Jesus said while explaining the decision, sitting alongside Ronaldo at the Portugal federation’s campus ahead of their Nations League opener against Wales.

There was a caveat, though, as he added: “If he will play the games, he is not entitled to that, it is up to the manager to decide.” None of Jesus’ predecessors would have dared say anything like that in front of Ronaldo, not even Fernando Santos, who did at least have the courage to bench the legendary frontman twice at the 2022 World Cup.

Ronaldo’s latest call-up obviously came on a conditional basis, and he made an effort to insist he was fine with the arrangement, albeit with his trademark underlying tone of arrogance. “Whenever they say they don’t want me in the national team, I will be the first one to go,” he said. “When I think I am not adding anything to the team, or that I create an atmosphere, I will be the first to go. I will take my suitcase and leave. The Portuguese count on me. That’s why I’m still here… Just look at the numbers, I’m sure you can make some calculations, I’m still doing well. The day they don’t count on me, no problemo, I will leave. I will always be the No.1 fan of this federation.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar continued: “For me the most important thing is I know what I am. I know what I do to be here, I know what I have done to have the success that I have had. I know why young kids love Cristiano, because they see me as an example, and I will continue to do that. Even when I am retired… in 10 years. I’m happy with myself. It doesn’t matter if I play tomorrow, if I’m rested for the next game, for me the most important thing is that I feel good. The people around me, they trust in my work. Focus on the people who love Cristiano, not the people who criticise me, so I am a happy person.”