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.”
