Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has defended his decision not to bring on Cristiano Ronaldo during the nation's 2-1 victory over Norway, saying he "needed a player with different characteristics."
The 41-year-old was named on the bench for the Nations League match, but did not make it onto the pitch -- the first time that has happened in a competitive game for more than 18 years.
Following the final whistle in Sunday's match, Ronaldo walked straight down the tunnel without going over to the Portugal fans.
"I had even agreed with him that he would come on in the last half hour, but the match did not require it," Jesus told Portuguese broadcaster RTP.
"Goncalo Ramos was playing well, he had scored a goal and had another one ruled out. I felt it was not the right moment to substitute him. It was not to protect him physically, because he was in the condition to play as long as I wanted.
"The match followed its course and it stopped being the opportune moment to bring on Cris. Instead, another player was necessary to guarantee balance and the result."
Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al Nassr, used all five of his substitutions on Sunday, bringing on Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Bernardo Silva and Francisco Trincão, the latter of which replaced Ramos in the 81st minute.
Ronaldo -- the most-capped men's player of all time with 234 appearances -- said ahead of Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales on Thursday that he had discussed his international future with Jesus and that he would "finish [playing for Portugal] when I feel like I'm not doing anything here."
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Jesus stressed that Ronaldo remained in contention for the Nations League clash with Denmark on Thursday.
"It was a decision," he said. "I didn't think it was the ideal moment, I needed a player with different characteristics, but that doesn't mean he is not an option, on the contrary.
"Perhaps now, against Denmark, he will play."