Speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's future has been rife following Portugal's exit from the World Cup, and new manager Jorge Jesus has now made his feelings on him very clear

Portugal's new manager has made it clear that he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to remain a key part of their national team - but won't guarantee him a call-up.

Ronaldo and Portugal were left heartbroken earlier this week when Spain struck at the death to eliminate them from the World Cup in the round of 16. At 41 years of age, Ronaldo confirmed during the tournament that this would be his final World Cup and was visibly distraught in the aftermath of the defeat to Spain.

Speculation over Ronaldo's international future has been rife, with his sister making a bombshell claim during the tournament that he'd already decided to retire from international football this summer. There has also been a backlash from some fans those within the media over the veteran's role as first-choice striker.

But if Jorge Jesus' first words after being named as Portugal's new head coach are anything to go by, then Ronaldo is still wanted to play for his country.

"I haven't spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me," said Jesus after being unveiled as Roberto Martinez's successor on Friday. "As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

"When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history. It has been a great pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to work with.

"I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al-Nassr... 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 is a figure Ronaldo knows well after managing the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star at Al-Nassr, whom he guided to the Saudi Pro League title back in May.

And he certainly didn't give the impression that Ronaldo's advancing years would be an issue.

He added: "Age doesn't matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover eight kilometres per match, reaching speeds above 25km per hour.

"He played when I felt it was necessary. Sometimes I wouldn't even name him to the bench. Still on the subject of Cris, he played in 31 of 50 games last year.

"I substituted him 16 times and there were never any problems. I have a big advantage here because 12 of the players called up for the World Cup have already worked with me."

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