Cristiano Ronaldo has accused Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of breaking his word over game time during the Nations League, in a lengthy statement released after his exit from the national team camp.
The forward was an unused substitute in Portugal's win over Norway, despite claiming he had been told he would play 30 minutes in the second half. He left the camp after the match, and Jesus later said he would not be bullied into selection decisions.
Ronaldo's account of the Norway match
Ronaldo said he was approached at lunchtime on matchday by an assistant to the coach, who said Jesus wanted to speak to him. He said the coach asked if he was fit to play 30 minutes, a request he said was outside his physical recovery and training plan, but he agreed. He said he warmed up from half-time but was not called into the game.
“The coach had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said. He apologised to the Portuguese fans and to anyone who travelled to see him, admitting his failure to greet the supporters after the match was “solely my responsibility”.
Request for a public clarification
Ronaldo said he had agreed with Jesus that the coach would address the matter at his press conference, telling the truth that Ronaldo never asked to play and that it was a mistake to have him warm up without bringing him on. He said Jesus promised to do so and asked for a hug, but did not follow through.
“It was the second time he had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said. He added that he has never interfered in any technical or tactical decision of any coach in almost 25 years of his career.
Apology and acceptance of consequences
Ronaldo also apologised to his teammates for leaving the camp, saying the responsibility is “exclusively mine”. He said he left because he felt his remaining would only harm the working group.
He said the consequence of his action must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation, and that he understands the punishment should have no mitigating factors. “I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor,” he said.
Ronaldo returned to Al-Nassr earlier this week and is anticipated to be ready for Portugal when their international fixtures resume next month, according to Fabrizio Romano.
