A week after parting ways with the Portugal national team during the international break, Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to address his conflict with manager Jorge Jesus.
In a detailed message, Ronaldo claimed that Jesus had made two promises regarding his playing time during a UEFA Nations League match, as well as a follow-up explanation at a press conference, both of which were not honored.
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Ronaldo stated that they had agreed he would not play in the matches against Norway and Denmark to manage his fitness. However, on the day of the Norway match, Ronaldo was told by Jesus that he would be playing for 30 minutes.
Although he warmed up during the second half, Ronaldo was ultimately never brought into the game. After Portugal’s 2-1 victory, Jesus explained that the game’s circumstances led him to decide against substituting Ronaldo.
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Later, a meeting between Ronaldo and Jesus was arranged, during which Ronaldo claims they reached an understanding that the manager would clarify the situation at his upcoming press conference.
“The agreement was straightforward: the coach would start the press conference by addressing this topic, aiming to resolve the issue by telling the truth,” Ronaldo stated. “He would clarify that I had never requested to play even for a moment, and that he, alone and not anyone else, was responsible for proposing the plan for this training camp. It was a mistake to have me warm up without playing, and he promised not to do it again.”
Preparations for the press conference were made such that Jesus wouldn’t have to apologize but merely acknowledge that Ronaldo had respected the coach’s decisions and that Jesus’ choice to have him warm up and then not play was a mistake.
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Ronaldo noted that Jesus’ comments during the press conference—claiming there was no agreement and that Ronaldo could still return—contradicted what was discussed in their meeting.
“This was the second time he had gone back on his word to me,” Ronaldo remarked. “I chose to leave the training camp rather than wait for further broken promises.”
Despite a prior ESPN report suggesting Ronaldo wouldn’t play for Portugal with Jesus as manager, he did not make such a claim in his statement. Instead, he expressed that he is not stepping away from national duties and wishes for “one or more” farewell matches.
“I’ve heard a lot about farewell matches, and that I deserve a proper send-off, which the federation is keen to provide. I learned from my struggles that nothing is ever given freely.”
“I assure all my fans, particularly the Portuguese people, that we will arrange one or more farewell matches when the time is right. If I am in good shape, playing with my team and looking to score goals after my suspension, I will remain available to compete and win with our national team.”
“This is the absolute truth.”
Portugal’s upcoming international matches will take place on November 14 and 17 against Denmark and Wales in Nations League group play. Ronaldo has already returned to Al-Nassr as the club resumes its league schedule on Friday.
Fan Take: Ronaldo’s public revelation of his falling out with the national team coach highlights the ongoing tensions in soccer management, especially involving legendary players. For fans, this serves as a reminder of the complexities behind the scenes, and it raises questions about the future dynamics of the Portugal squad as they navigate international competitions.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
