Jorge Jesus had just arrived home when the latest Cristiano Ronaldo dispute followed him to the gate. The Portugal coach said he had not yet read the statement in which Ronaldo accused him of failing to keep his word, explaining that he had been watching Portugal’s Under-21 side instead.
The move
Jesus, 72, was briefly questioned outside his home after Ronaldo’s statement was made public. The Portugal manager replied that he had not seen it at that point.
“I have not read Cristiano’s statement,” Jesus said. “I was watching Portugal Under-21s. I will have time to read it now.”
The former Al-Nassr coach, who worked with Ronaldo during his time at the Saudi club, then drove into his property and closed the gate.
The row has disrupted Portugal’s international camp despite a perfect opening under Jesus. Portugal have won all four of their Nations League matches with him in charge, but attention has shifted towards Ronaldo’s early departure from the squad.
That departure was linked to growing tension between the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and his national-team coach, with Ronaldo’s public message accusing Jesus of breaking a promise made to him.
