Jesus does not address Ronaldo’s complaints about Portugal squad

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark, BBC Sport reports. Coach Jorge Jesus denied there had been a falling-out, although BBC Sport described the episode as one. [1]

Jesus said Ronaldo could return if he wanted and that they could speak before the next squad selection. BBC Sport reports ongoing talks involving Ronaldo, his representatives and the Portuguese FA. Ronaldo said he would explain his reasons for leaving the national team in due course, but did not give them in that statement. [1]

The forward has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, totals BBC Sport describes as world records. [1]

Reactions in Portugal have differed. BBC Sport reports that posters on several Lisbon billboards praised Ronaldo and criticised Jesus. Lisbon supporter Maria Ribeiro said she loved Ronaldo but wondered whether it was time for Portugal to move on. [1]

Update

Ronaldo said he was not turning his back on the national team in a statement circulated by Portuguese media, according to an ANP report carried by Nieuws.nl. He attributed his departure from Portugal’s training camp to what he said were two broken promises by coach Jorge Jesus. [2]

Ronaldo apologised for disappointing Portugal’s supporters and letting down his team-mates. He said the football federation would have to punish him and that he would accept the consequences, adding that his conduct was worse because he is captain. [2]

Update

Cristiano Ronaldo says the Portuguese Football Federation should punish him for leaving the national team’s camp. He said he had apologised to his team-mates and Portugal’s supporters, and that the decision to leave was his responsibility alone. [3]

Ronaldo left the Nations League camp last week after being an unused substitute against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark. He said coach Jorge Jesus had told him he would play for 30 minutes against Norway but did not bring him on. Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word twice. [3]

The 41-year-old said he would like to keep playing for Portugal if he is physically fit and playing for his club. He also referred to being available after a suspension period, although his request for punishment does not mean a sanction has been imposed. [3]

Before Ronaldo’s statement, Jesus had said there was no rift and that the door remained open for him to play for Portugal. BBC Sport said it had asked the Portuguese Football Federation for comment. [3]

Update

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus did not address questions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s complaints when approached by reporters on Wednesday, ANP reported, citing Portuguese media including Diário de Notícias. [4]

Jesus said as he left his home that he had read Ronaldo’s message. He said he was going to the football federation to work and think about the team, without responding to the substance of Ronaldo’s allegations. [4]

Ronaldo said on Tuesday that he had left the national squad during the previous international period because Jesus had broken two agreements with him. According to ANP’s account, Ronaldo said one concerned a promised rest against Norway and the other concerned a press conference. [4]