Ronaldo chooses his best friend as the new representative

Regufe has been Ronaldo's personal manager for Portugal for the past 20 years. But he announced his job change on social media on March 21.

"It is with great pride and honor to have served our country as a member of the team for over two decades," Regufe wrote. "I experienced unforgettable moments and made lifelong friendships. I watched Portugal win two of the biggest trophies in history, and watched Ronaldo become the best player in the world."

According to British newspaper Sportmail, after leaving the Portuguese team, Regufe will continue to support and cooperate more closely with Ronaldo as an agent.

Ronaldo and Regufe's relationship dates back to 2003, when Ronaldo was still a potential young player for Sporting Lisbon. Regufe used to be Nike's marketing director and was influential in convincing Ronaldo to sign a shoe contract with the sports equipment giant.

Since then, Regufe has become an important part of Ronaldo's life, often appearing next to the 37-year-old striker at dinner parties, luxury holidays and award ceremonies. He even congratulated and hugged Ronaldo right on the field, when Portugal beat France in the Euro 2016 final.

"I thank the players, coaches and staff for everything we've been through together. A new phase has begun but the desire to see the team win remains the same!" Regufe writes further.

Regufe's post included a photo of the Portugal team celebrating Euro 2016 - the first major title in their history. Three years later, Ronaldo and his teammates continued to make history when they became the first champions of the UEFA Nations League.

Jorge Mendes no longer represents Ronaldo - the role he has taken on since the Portuguese star left Sporting Lisbon to join Man Utd in 2003. The two were said to have disagreed since late last year, when Mendes did not want Ronaldo to perform. Controversial interview with MC Piers Morgan. Mendes was also "not impressed" with the 38-year-old striker's behavior in his final weeks at Old Trafford and disagreements over where to go next after leaving Man Utd.

After that, Regufe took charge of negotiating with Al Nassr and reached an agreement to make Ronaldo the highest-paid player in history. In Saudi Arabia, CR7 will earn a seasonal salary of $ 75 million with a total income of up to $ 200 million if additional sponsorships and advertising are included.

Regufe's departure from the national team is another significant change for Portugal after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. Coach Fernando Santos resigned after the tournament in Qatar, and was replaced by Roberto Martinez - former Belgium, Wigan and Everton coach.

Martinez will make his debut at Euro 2024 qualifying, where Portugal are in Group J, with Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Liechtenstein. They will host Liechtenstein in the opening match on March 23, and then be a guest at Luxembourg Stadium three days later.