Portugal’s camp has become the centre of a growing international dispute after Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad following the match against Norway, with coach Jorge Jesus insisting his handling of the situation requires no apology.
Key takeaways
- Ronaldo departed Portugal’s training camp after being left unused against Norway.
- The forward did not join the celebrations after Portugal’s victory and left the pitch quickly.
- He later spoke with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and said he would address the matter at the appropriate time.
- Portugal followed the controversy with a 4-2 UEFA Nations League win over Denmark, their third successive victory in the competition.
- Jesus said: “I regret nothing. Zero,” while maintaining that squad rules apply to every player.
Jesus stands by his decision
The episode began after Ronaldo received no minutes in the Norway fixture. The 41-year-old forward left the field without taking part in the team’s post-match celebrations, before departing the Portuguese delegation following comments made by Jesus in a press conference.
Jesus had referred to Ronaldo as a player with a “different status”, a remark that brought renewed scrutiny over the captain’s place within the national side and whether he was being treated differently from the rest of the group.
Asked after the Denmark match whether those comments had helped create the rupture, the coach offered an unequivocal response. “I regret nothing. Zero,” he said.
Jesus accepted that prominent players can carry a particular standing within teams, but stressed that it cannot alter the standards expected inside the Portugal squad. “There are players with status, but the rules are the same for everyone,” he said.
Portugal continue winning as explanation awaits
On the pitch, Portugal have continued their UEFA Nations League campaign without Ronaldo. The 4-2 victory over Denmark brought a third consecutive win and underlined the depth available to Jesus as the side pursues major continental honours.
The coach, however, declined to reveal the full detail of the discussions and decisions that preceded Ronaldo’s departure. He said he would provide his account once Portugal’s final match had been played.
“I have been in football for many years and I know I did nothing to make things happen this way,” Jesus said. “I will explain everything after the final match. After the game against Norway, we will speak about this. I will not hide from it or run away from it.”
