Portugal: ‘God forbid’ – Spain coach De la Fuente on Cristiano Ronaldo retirement

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has dismissed the suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo‘s reported farewell from the Portugal national team was a bittersweet moment, following his reported disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus.

Speaking to EFE ahead of Spain’s final two Nations League group matches against the Czech Republic and England, De la Fuente strongly rejected the idea.

“No, no way, God forbid,” the Spanish manager said when asked whether Ronaldo’s departure could be described as bittersweet.

Ronaldo had reportedly announced his readiness to hand Portugal’s iconic number seven shirt over to the next generation of players.

In his farewell message to the Portuguese people, the forward expressed his feelings about the decision and acknowledged how difficult it was for him to step away from the national team.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to return our national team’s No. 7 shirt,” Ronaldo said.

ALSO READ

• EPL: Harry Kane sends clear message to Man United over Mauricio Pochettino move
• World best: Spain coach De la Fuente names two players to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

He added: “This was not an easy decision, because some decisions are made not only with the mind, but also with the heart.” Ronaldo also thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Portuguese supporters for their backing throughout his international career.