Portugal Names Jorge Jesus New National Team Coach

Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as its new national team coach on Friday. Jesus said he will continue to select Cristiano Ronaldo if the forward is available and in condition to play. "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 his presentation.

Ronaldo has said he appeared at his last World Cup after Spain eliminated Portugal in the round of 16. He has not decided whether to continue playing for the national team.

Jesus said he has not spoken with Ronaldo yet but plans to discuss the forward's future. He described Ronaldo as a symbol of Portuguese football who will remain in the history books. "Cris is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me," Jesus stated.

He added that Ronaldo is easy to work with. Jesus coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr before leaving the club in May after winning the Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo told Jesus he plans to end his career at the club.

Jesus will lead Portugal until after the 2030 World Cup, which the country is hosting with Spain and Morocco. The 71-year-old coach said he and Ronaldo will discuss the forward's international future in a private conversation.