Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo has made clear that he is prepared to accept whatever role Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus asks of him, insisting that helping the national team remains his priority whether he plays or not.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League opener against Wales on Thursday, the 41-year-old acknowledged that the demanding international schedule will require Jesus to manage players’ minutes carefully.
“If the coach wants me to start on the bench, I’m available for that too, and if I don’t play, there’s no problem either,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal are scheduled to play four matches in 15 days, a workload Ronaldo believes makes it unrealistic for every player to complete every game. Speaking separately to RTP, he said it would be “impossible” to play all four matches in full and confirmed that Jesus intends to rotate his squad.
Ronaldo nevertheless stressed that he remains physically capable of completing 90 minutes when required, pointing to his performances for Al Nassr as evidence.
“What the national team needs from me, as has always been the case for more than 20 years, I will contribute,” he said.
Ronaldo ready for any role under Jorge Jesus
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has previously worked with Jesus and said the coach already understands both what he can offer on the pitch and the experience he brings to the dressing room.
“I’m here to help the team, whether I play or not,” Ronaldo said. “I’m one of the group and I’m here to help.”
Jesus, however, confirmed on Wednesday that Ronaldo will start against Wales, describing the veteran forward as a “symbol” of the Portuguese national team.
Ronaldo also said he believes Jesus was the right choice to succeed Roberto Martínez, predicting that Portugal will adopt a more attacking approach under the former Al Hilal and Benfica coach.
Portugal’s captain remains focused on two major objectives during the new international cycle: helping his country win another Nations League title and reaching 1,000 career goals.
For now, however, Ronaldo insists his individual playing time comes second to the needs of the squad as Portugal begin a new era under Jesus.
