Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent statement regarding his departure from the national team camp, stating that he has not yet had time to read it but will do so shortly.
Ronaldo’s public remarks followed a breakdown in communication with Jesus during the UEFA Nations League, which led to the striker leaving the Portugal squad early.
The decision not to deploy Ronaldo was described by Jesus as tactical, but it exacerbated tensions between the player and coach, who had previously worked together at Al Nassr.
Addressing speculation about his international career ending with a farewell match, Ronaldo said: “I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity.
I was at a camp with our national team, and I decided to stay there until the end of the match the following day.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent statement regarding his departure from the national team camp, stating that he has not yet had time to read it but will do so shortly. Ronaldo’s public remarks followed a breakdown in communication with Jesus during the UEFA Nations League, which led to the striker leaving the Portugal squad early.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, detailed his dissatisfaction with Jesus over being left on the bench during a match against Norway despite warming up and expecting to be substituted on. The decision not to deploy Ronaldo was described by Jesus as tactical, but it exacerbated tensions between the player and coach, who had previously worked together at Al Nassr.
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In a lengthy Instagram post, Ronaldo said: “If I am physically well, playing for my club, with goals, I hope, after serving the suspension that may be applied to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.” He accused Jesus of “breaking his word” on two occasions, after a meeting involving the Saudi Pro League club’s sporting director Simao Coutinho, which had reportedly included an eight-point plan for Jesus to publicly clarify the situation.
Ronaldo explained his decision to leave the camp: “Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on. The manager had broken his word to me. I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises.”
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Jesus denied that such an agreement had been reached and left open the possibility of Ronaldo returning to the Portugal squad. Ronaldo also apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese public for departing the camp, stating he would accept any sanction from the Portuguese Football Federation.
Addressing speculation about his international career ending with a farewell match, Ronaldo said: “I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity. I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone.” He assured fans and Portuguese people that there would be time for one or more farewell matches, but emphasised his focus remains on competing for the national team.
Ronaldo recalled a personal moment of dedication: “That is what I thought on the day I was given the news of my father’s death. I was at a camp with our national team, and I decided to stay there until the end of the match the following day. I did for the country what I would never do for any club.”
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Ronaldo’s statement has quelled immediate uncertainty about his future, confirming his commitment to representing Portugal despite recent disputes with the coaching staff.
