‎Jorge Jesus outlines Portugal’s leadership hierarchy after Ronaldo’s retirement

‎Portugal boss Jorge Jesus has explained how the national team’s leadership group will be structured following Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement.

‎Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football via social media on Thursday. The Al-Nassr forward departs the national team after making after 23 years, with 234 appearances, and 146 goals to his name.

‎With Portugal now set to start a new adventure under national team under Jorge Jesus, the manager has focused on integrating younger talent while maintaining stability.

‎Addressing how the team’s leadership group will function without Ronaldo, Jesus explained that a clear, merit-based system governs the selection of captains.

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team. (Photo by Valter Gouveia/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)

‎”In the national team, the selection is based on international appearances,” Jesus stated clearly.

‎”At the moment, there are five players who stand out in this criterion. Interestingly, all of them were my players at the clubs I managed. The logic will remain the same.”

‎Jesus confirmed the core group of senior players who will shoulder the leadership responsibilities moving forward.

‎”After Cristiano Ronaldo, the players with the most international appearances are Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, and Bruno Fernandes,” the coach outlined.

‎”Not necessarily in that order, but these are the five players.”

‎Jesus also singled out Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva for his consistent excellence at the highest level of European club football.

‎”He can offer his experience and the quality he has as a player,” Jesus noted.

‎”He’s going through a good phase at Real Madrid, and it’s not easy to be a starter for a team like Real Madrid, one of the best in the world. I have no doubt about Bernardo’s value.”