Jorge Jesus Reveals Why Ronaldo Was Left on the Bench Against Norway

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has explained why he kept Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during the team's 2-1 win over Norway, saying he "needed a player with different characteristics."

Ronaldo, who is 41, was named among the substitutes for Sunday's Nations League game but never got on the pitch. It was the first time in more than 18 years that this has happened to him in a competitive match. After the final whistle, he headed straight down the tunnel and did not go over to the Portugal fans.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster RTP, Jesus said he had planned to use the forward late on. "I had even agreed with him that he would come on in the last half hour, but the match did not require it," he said.

The coach pointed to how well Goncalo Ramos was playing. "Goncalo Ramos was playing well, he had scored a goal and had another one ruled out. I felt it was not the right moment to substitute him. It was not to protect him physically, because he was in the condition to play as long as I wanted."

Jesus said the game simply moved in a different direction. "The match followed its course and it stopped being the opportune moment to bring on Cris. Instead, another player was necessary to guarantee balance and the result."

Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, used all five of his substitutions against Norway. Vitinha, Rafael Leao, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva and Francisco Trincao all came on, with Trincao replacing Ramos in the 81st minute.

Ronaldo is the top men's international goalscorer and the most-capped men's player ever, with 234 appearances. Before Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales on Thursday, he said he had talked about his international future with Jesus. He told reporters he would "finish [playing for Portugal] when I feel like I'm not doing anything here."

Jesus made it clear the door is still open for the veteran ahead of Portugal's Nations League game against Denmark on Thursday. "It was a decision," he said. "I didn't think it was the ideal moment, I needed a player with different characteristics, but that doesn't mean he is not an option, on the contrary."

He added: "Perhaps now, against Denmark, he will play."