After crashing out of the World Cup against Spain, it’s a new era for Portuguese football, but Cristiano Ronaldo may yet have a part to play.
This Portugal side came into the tournament with high expectations, boasting arguably the best midfield unit at the tournament, and looking confident coming off a Nations League win over Spain.
Finishing second did them no favours, and they couldn’t get past the round of 16. For many, it was the definitive final World Cup appearance for Ronaldo.
After what new hire Jorge Jesus just said, that might not be the case.
Jorge Jesus will consider Cristiano Ronaldo for 2030 World Cup
Ronaldo is 41. At the next tournament, he will be 45. That should make this a non-starter, but that’s not how Jesus sees it.
In his first press conference (via BBC Sport), he was asked about the Portugal legend’s future in the national team setup.
He responded: “”As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.
“I haven’t spoken with [Ronaldo] yet. [He] is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.
“I had great pleasure working with him this past year, [it’s] easy to work with him.”
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It came as a surprise to most people listening. Even over the course of this tournament, Ronaldo’s fit in the starting XI has been questioned. Four years from now, it won’t be any better — it will likely be much worse.
Jesus and Ronaldo worked together at Al-Nassr last season, lifting the Saudi Pro League title in his first and only season in charge. There’s definitely loyalty there, but that should not cloud his judgement when it comes to deciding the best way forward for Portugal.
No one will argue against Ronaldo’s legendary status, but the manager’s duty is to the team. At 45, it’s hard to imagine he will be there on merit.
But with CR7, you never know.
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