Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines during the international break after leaving the Portugal squad following Jorge Jesus' decision to leave him on the bench. The 41-year-old reportedly flew to Spain on his private jet and threatened to refuse to return to the national side unless Jesus is sacked.
Ronaldo's reaction to being benched
Ronaldo was left to stew on the bench in Portugal's opening Nations League game against Norway. The decision sparked another storm surrounding the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon. He has since left the squad, heading to Spain, with reports suggesting he is unwilling to return while Jesus remains in charge.
The reaction has been described as selfish, with Ronaldo stamping his feet like a petulant child because he has not got his own way. His antics in the United States during the recent World Cup were also criticised, with his behaviour costing his side a chance of winning the tournament and costing Roberto Martinez his job as manager.
Portugal's choice: Jesus or Ronaldo
Those who run the Portuguese national team need to wake up and realise Ronaldo is now a complete liability, according to the Mirror's chief sports writer Jeremy Cross. The call is to put support behind Jesus, who is the future, while Ronaldo is not.
Jesus is a highly respected manager with a better career win rate than Sir Alex Ferguson. He has won 25 trophies, and his start with Portugal has been perfect - four wins from four. He has been vindicated, while Ronaldo should be vilified for once again making it all about him.
The saying goes that life begins at 40, but quite the opposite applies to athletes like the Portuguese legend. Even the true greats cannot win a battle with Mother Nature, and Ronaldo is in denial about his fading talents at the highest level.
