New Portugal coach would welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal's new 71-year-old coach Jorge Jesus has said that "age doesn't matter" and there is still a place for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo on the team.

Jesus signed a four-year contract on Friday to coach Portugal through the 2030 World Cup.

Jesus succeeded Spain's Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after the expiration of his contract on Monday and the team's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Jesus coached Ronaldo with the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr last season, where they won the title together.

"I'm 71, but I feel 50 because I'm healthy. I train every day -- an hour or two. It's going to be a tough challenge, but I'm convinced we'll win," Jesus said Friday at Portugal's Football Federation headquarters in Lisbon.

"Age doesn't matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover 8 kilometers per match, reaching speeds above 25 kilometers per hour."

Cristiano Ronaldo had a brilliant last season under Jesus, scoring 29 goals in 33 appearances.

Ronaldo, 41, confirmed this was his last World Cup but did not make a decision on his international retirement.

He is Portugal's all-time leader in caps (233) and goals (146) and, in 2026, joined Argentina's Lionel Messi as the only men to appear in six World Cups.

Ronaldo scored three goals in the 2026 World Cup but was criticised by disappointed fans.

"I haven't spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me," said Jesus. "As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

"When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with.

"I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so."