Ronaldo hails Jesus as perfect choice ahead of Portugal debut

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41‑year‑old striker, showed total confidence in new Portugal manager Jorge Jesus during a press conference on Wednesday (23). (Durante) the briefing, Ronaldo praised Jesus as the perfect appointment and also thanked former coach Roberto Martínez.

Ronaldo recalled that he won the Saudi league with Jesus while playing for Al‑Nassr last season, highlighting the successful partnership they enjoyed in Saudi Arabia.

He added that Jesus’s arrival marks a fresh phase for the national side and expressed gratitude to Roberto Martínez for his previous work with Portugal.

Ronaldo's ambitions and new era

The veteran forward said he aims to help Portugal win the UEFA Nations League and to reach the milestone of one thousand career goals. He described the upcoming period as "a new era" and insisted that Jesus will do an excellent job, staying with the team for many years.

Portugal takes the upper hand over Wales in the Nations League

Ronaldo also warned that if he ever fails to contribute on the pitch or loses the confidence of the coaching staff, he would leave immediately, saying, "If Jorge Jesus does not count on me, I can leave today – no problem."

Portugal's Nations League debut under Jesus

Jorge Jesus will make his first appearance in charge of Portugal on Thursday at 15:45, at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, the home ground of Sporting, the club that produced Ronaldo. The reigning Nations League champions will face Wales on home soil.

Photos capture Portugal versus Wales clash in Nations League

The likely starting eleven includes Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Rúben Neves and Bruno Fernandes; Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix.