In Portugal’s national-team orbit, Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the squad has opened an unusually public dispute, with former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney criticising the forward’s conduct towards coach Jorge Jesus and the rest of the group.
Rooney sees a damaging episode for Portugal
Rooney said Ronaldo handled the confrontation badly, arguing that the episode risked creating an uncomfortable atmosphere around the Portuguese camp. The former England captain was asked about Ronaldo’s behaviour and said the manner of the player’s exit, alongside the wider dealings with the Portuguese federation, had been troubling.
- Rooney said Ronaldo had diminished both his coach and his teammates.
- He described the situation as poorly managed on several fronts.
- He said it was unpleasant to witness from the perspective of a former teammate and a coach.
- Rooney added that every player eventually has to bring a career to its conclusion, and felt Ronaldo was not managing that process well.
“To treat your manager and teammates that way was wrong,” Rooney said. “The issue involving the federation was also handled badly. As a football person, a teammate and a coach, it is not good to see, and it can make things uncomfortable.”
No player should dictate a coach’s words
Rooney, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo at Manchester United, said the dispute had crossed a line because no footballer should attempt to tell a manager what he must say publicly.
“A player cannot instruct a coach on what he should say,” Rooney said, calling the situation beyond anything he had previously encountered.
Potential ban and financial penalty
Ronaldo has received a Portugal sanction following his departure, a player statement and remarks from the coach. The punishment could keep him out of the national side for between one and six months, depending on the final circumstances, and also carries a fine starting at €510.
- The possible suspension ranges from one month to six months.
- The financial punishment begins at €510.
- A public acknowledgement of wrongdoing, combined with the coach’s approval, could reduce the exclusion to between one and three months.
The precise length of Ronaldo’s absence from Portugal remains unresolved, with the prospect of a reduced punishment still open.
