Silva 'sad' to see Ronaldo retire but relishes new captain's role

Bernardo Silva conceded it was a "sad moment" to see Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football, but he is excited about the new challenge of being Portugal's captain.

Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal duty last week, following a falling out with Jorge Jesus during the last international break, which saw him leave the camp after just one game.

Silva has since been named as Portugal's new captain, as they prepare for their first match since Ronaldo hung up his boots, which comes against Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday.

There will be a tribute to Ronaldo at the Estadio Municipal de Braga to honour his record-breaking international career.

Portugal are on a strong run, having won all four of their matches so far to secure their place in the quarter-finals, and Silva is aiming to continue that success even without Ronaldo in their ranks.

"I think it's a natural process. I had the pleasure of playing with Cristiano here in the national team for 12 years," Silva said. "He was always our captain.

"It's the older and more experienced players who have the responsibility of helping the younger ones maintain commitment and work ethic in the locker room.

"I was able to represent the national team for many years; I know what it takes to win and be successful, and I will, with great pride, try to perform that role in the best way possible.

"As for my attitude, it will be the same as always, but now with more experience. I've had the pleasure of being captain before, and I know that this job is not the responsibility of just one person, but of all the more experienced players.

"We have to try to maintain competitiveness, always with respect. This balance between competing and respecting each other is not easy, but this group is fantastic. We are a family here, and I am sure things will go well.

"Of course, it's a sad moment. I only know the national team with Cristiano. This day was bound to come. It was an honour and a pride to have shared the locker room with him, and now it's about continuing this path of success with the national team."

Portugal can confirm top spot in Group A4 on Saturday if they avoid defeat against Denmark.

They ran out 4-2 winners in the reverse fixture in October, with Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Joao Felix all getting on the scoresheet.

For this international break, with their last-eight place wrapped up, Jesus has named a more inexperienced squad, with six uncapped players called up.

He confirmed he is already looking to the future, though he insists his focus is not on giving players their debut.

"Look, when choosing players, I don't consider that detail," Jesus said.

"I look for the player most capable of performing the role I want, based on their position. It's not difficult to see that, compared to the last few games, we have one full-back suspended and another injured [Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes].

"Two players will necessarily have to come in. It's possible that one of them hasn't played yet. But I'll only say an hour before the game, after speaking with the players."