Jorge Jesus has insisted he bears no responsibility for Cristiano Ronaldo ’s decision to step away from international football.

The 41-year-old forward called time on his Portugal career on Thursday, finishing with men's record totals of 234 caps and 146 goals.

His announcement arrived under a month after receiving a backdated 30-day ban and a 255 euro (roughly £210) fine from the Portuguese Football Federation. The sanction was imposed after the forward walked out on the squad before a Nations League clash with Denmark on 1 October, following a disagreement with Jesus.

With the suspension served, Ronaldo was eligible for selection for upcoming fixtures against Denmark and Wales.

Unveiling his squad for those games on Friday, Jesus – who managed Ronaldo at Saudi club Al Nassr prior to taking the Portugal job in July – maintained he felt no guilt over the end of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s 23-year career on the international stage.

Jesus said: "No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me.…