New Portugal boss hints at CR7 staying: "He is never going to be a problem for the national team"
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.07.26. | 20:29
Jorge Jesus reportedly has a plan to get Ronaldo back on track and help him put his underwhelming World Cup campaign behind him
Although no one said it out loud, it was clear that the door to the Portugal national team would never be closed to Cristiano Ronaldo, as long as the legendary forward wants to represent his country.
Knowing his determination and never-say-die attitude, it was hard to imagine him retiring after a pretty underwhelming World Cup campaign in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, but his stay in the Navigators' squad has effectively been confirmed at the highest level.
Given that the new Portugal head coach, Jorge Jesus, and Cristiano worked together at Al-Nassr last season and won the Saudi Pro League title, it was safe to assume that the tactician was counting on the 41-year-old.
Still, he made his stance clear.
"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."
New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of his plans for the national team 🇵🇹⚽ pic.twitter.com/vQykQPzlNu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 13, 2026
”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," Jesus said via Goal.com.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that the 71-year-old has a plan to get Cristiano and the Navigators back on track by changing the formation and introducing several new names.
Jesus is reportedly set to switch the team to a 4-4-2 formation, with Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos playing side by side in attack. At the same time, Joao Felix will move from the flank into the middle, operating behind the two strikers.
The new manager's fresh faces will, as per A Bola, be Joao Palhinha, who is set for a return after not being called up for the World Cup by Roberto Martinez, and Porto's 19-year-old gem Rodrigo Mora, who has yet to debut for Portugal's senior squad.
With or without the two and regardless of the changes that are made, you can count on one thing - Cristiano Ronaldo will be there.