Ronaldo retires from Portugal after 23-year international career

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on November 5 that he was retiring from Portugal’s national team, ending a 23-year international career in which he set men’s records with 234 appearances and 146 goals. The 41-year-old forward made the announcement less than a month after leaving the team’s training camp during a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. Portugal’s football federation had suspended him for 30 days and fined him following his departure. Jesus said Friday that he respected Ronaldo’s decision and did not feel responsible for it. He also said he had not known Ronaldo planned to retire and had intended to include him in the squad for Portugal’s November Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales. Ronaldo’s retirement was announced a day before Jesus named the squad; Ronaldo was not included. The coach said the disagreement arose after Ronaldo warmed up but did not play against Norway in September. Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word over the decision not to use him as a substitute. Jesus said his decisions were made with the team in mind and that he was at peace with them. He said he had not contacted Ronaldo since the announcement. In separate remarks, Jesus said he...