Daijiworld Media Network - Braga

Braga, Nov 15: Portugal suffered a 4-1 defeat against Denmark in their Nations League group-stage clash at Braga Municipal Stadium on November 15. The match marked Portugal's first outing since legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football.

Following the heavy defeat, Portugal manager Jorge Jesus was asked whether the team missed Ronaldo, who represented the country for 23 years and remains its highest goalscorer.

"People miss him and have not forgotten what Cris gave over 23 years with the national team, but there is no going back on the matter. Do I miss him? How can I miss him when he is no longer in the national team? The only way I would miss him is if he were beside me, but he no longer plays, he is no longer here, he made his own decision," Jesus said.

Jesus also maintained that the defeat against Denmark did not undermine the team's performances in its previous matches. He said Portugal had recorded strong victories in their earlier four games and would look to improve in the upcoming fixtures.

"I will not cast doubt on the journey the team went through in those four matches, during which we achieved strong victories," he said.

Ronaldo recently announced his international retirement through a social media message, bringing an end to his 23-year career with the Portuguese national team. He said it was time to hand back the number seven shirt, which he described as a privilege and responsibility he had carried throughout his international career.