Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence contributed to his side’s 4-1 defeat to Denmark on Saturday, saying the former captain was no longer part of the national team because he had made his own decision.

Asked whether he missed Ronaldo, Jesus responded with a pointed remark that underlined the player's departure from the national setup.

“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 in the post-match press conference.

The question came after sections of the crowd began chanting Ronaldo’s name following Denmark’s fourth goal, with some home supporters also leaving the stands.

Jesus acknowledged that supporters still missed Ronaldo and remembered his contribution over more than two decades, but insisted there was no going back.

“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,” he said.

Ronaldo's retirement followed a fallout with Jesus during the September international camp. The forward was left unused against Norway despite warming up after being told he could play 30 minutes.

Ronaldo later accused the coach of breaking his word, while Jesus acknowledged making a mistake over the decision.

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5.

Portugal paid tribute to their former captain before the Denmark match, with every player walking onto the pitch wearing his iconic No. 7 shirt. Supporters displayed a banner reading “Obrigado, Capitão” (Thank you, Captain), while Ronaldo's image appeared on the stadium screens in the seventh minute as fans applauded.

But Ronaldo did not attend.

Turning to the defeat, Jesus admitted Portugal had failed to reproduce their performance from the first leg, when they beat Denmark 4-2. He said his side lacked defensive solidity and struggled to deal with Denmark's attacking pressure, particularly in the second half.

The coach also blamed the forwards' failure to press properly, which allowed Denmark to build attacks with ease.

Despite the heavy loss, the coach refused to question his team's earlier performances.

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