Six days after walking out of Portugal’s camp during a four-match international sequence, Cristiano Ronaldo has set out his account of the dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus, including the talking points he expected to hear in public.
The move
Ronaldo, 41, left the Portugal squad after a tense episode surrounding the match against Norway, when he remained on the bench throughout. He said he had been sent to warm up but was not introduced, an incident he viewed as a breaking point.
In a lengthy Instagram statement, the Al Nassr forward also accused Jesus of failing to keep a promise made after a crisis meeting. Ronaldo said the coach was meant to address the situation at his post-match press conference using wording agreed with the player.
The meeting reportedly involved Jesus, Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho and Ronaldo adviser Tiago Craveiro. Ronaldo published eight notes which he said had been approved as part of the planned public response.
Several of the points were strongly complimentary towards the striker. One described Ronaldo as “exemplary, loyal and professional”, while another said the coach wanted him in the national team and that Ronaldo also retained faith in him.
Another note stressed Ronaldo’s connection with supporters, presenting him as the player who signs the most autographs, takes the most selfies and shows the greatest affection towards fans.
The most striking proposed line concerned the Norway game. Ronaldo said Jesus should have acknowledged making a mistake by asking a player “of the calibre of Pelé or Maradona” to warm up without subsequently using him.
Ronaldo maintained that Jesus did not use those agreed elements when speaking to reporters. He said that omission made him feel betrayed again and prompted his departure from the camp.
The French season around it
No Ligue 1 club or French-based player was involved in the episode. The dispute concerns Portugal’s national team, Ronaldo’s role during the Norway fixture and the player’s relationship with Jesus.
Ronaldo said he is prepared to accept any punishment arising from his exit, while continuing to argue that commitments made to him were not respected. He has ruled out immediate international retirement and hopes to play at least one more match for Portugal.
