Jorge Jesus Backs Ronaldo Call-Up as Portugal Names New National Coach

OEIRAS, Portugal — Jorge Jesus was named Portugal's national team manager on Friday, taking over a side that crashed out of this summer's World Cup in the round of 16 against Spain. At his unveiling, the 71-year-old said he would keep selecting Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as the 41-year-old forward remains playing and meets the standards he sets for the squad.

Ronaldo drew scrutiny for his form at the tournament under outgoing coach Roberto Martinez and has since said that World Cup was his last. He has yet to confirm whether he will carry on with the Seleção.

"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," Jesus told reporters at Friday's presentation.

The new coach said he had not yet spoken with Ronaldo but planned a private talk about the player's next steps. "I haven't spoken with Cris yet… Cris is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me," Jesus said. "Cris is a symbol of Portuguese football. Cris is a symbol of the national team… that will forever be in the history books."

Jesus worked with Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr over the past year before departing in May after winning the Saudi Pro League title. He described the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as straightforward to manage. "I had great pleasure working with him this past year… [it's] easy to work with him… We're going to have a conversation between the two of us about what he wants to do with the future of his career."

Jesus added that Ronaldo had told him during their time together that he intended to finish his playing days at Al-Nassr. "I know [Ronaldo] wants to keep playing at Al-Nassr, because, as you know, I spent a year with him," he said. "He always told me, 'I'm going to end my career at Al-Nassr'."

Jesus's appointment runs through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.