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

Portugal’s football association has pledged to honour Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement, though it has not said whether he will accept a farewell appearance. The announcement came as manager Jorge Jesus named his first squad without the captain, and questions about the dispute preceding Ronaldo’s departure overshadowed the selections.

Ronaldo, 41, ended a Portugal career of 234 appearances and 146 goals after saying Jesus had broken promises; he had left the team camp without permission in September. Jesus said he had known nothing of the retirement decision until it was announced, that Ronaldo remained in his plans, and that he had not contacted him since. His squad includes seven new players, five from the Under-21s, for November Nations League matches against Wales and Denmark.