Ruben Amorim has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal career did not end the way it should have, after the 41-year-old announced his retirement from international football on Thursday.
Speaking to Sky Sport before AC Milan’s Europa League meeting with Ferencvaros, the Rossoneri boss was asked about the timing of his compatriot’s decision, which came after a public disagreement with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
Thanks for the submission!
Amorim stated:
“It was not the best way to end his national team career, but what he did for our country is clear for all to see.
“Everyone knows him around the world. Football is a window, many know Portugal because of CR7. He played with so many important players. He will give something to our country off the pitch too.”
Amorim and Ronaldo played alongside each other eight times for Portugal between 2010 and 2014, and the Milan coach’s tribute leaned on the visibility Ronaldo gave the country rather than the 146 goals in 234 caps.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell came in an Instagram video on Thursday, in which he said “the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt”. His final Portugal appearance was the 1-0 Nations League win over Wales on 24 September.
The star striker was then an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway and left camp after Jesus said he would not start against Denmark. The fallout brought a €255 fine and a backdated 30-day suspension.
Cristiano Ronaldo retired as the most capped men’s international player and the leading scorer in men’s international football, having won Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles. He scored three goals at this summer’s World Cup, where Portugal lost to eventual winners Spain in the last 16.
Bruno Fernandes thanks ‘idol’ Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration after retirement announcement
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes described the opportunity to play with Cristiano Ronaldo as a ‘great privilege’. The Portugal midfielder shared the dressing room with the superstar in the national team as well as at Old Trafford.
Fernandes considers the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as his childhood idol and thanked him for being an inspiration all throughout. The United midfielder wrote:
“Thank you for the inspiration. It was a great privilege to share great moments in the national team with my childhood idol.”
The Portuguese Football Federation wants to host a farewell match for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the star forward has yet to agree to it. Reports claim that he does not want Jorge Jesus to be a part of the game, if it is held.
Edited by Nived Zenith
