Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Why He Left Portugal Camp After Jorge Jesus Fallout

Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday gave a detailed account of his fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and explained why he abruptly left the national team camp in Denmark last month.

Ronaldo said the dispute centred on an agreement under which Jesus was expected to publicly explain what happened during Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway and make clear that the veteran forward had never demanded playing time.

According to Ronaldo, an eight-point statement was prepared after discussions involving him, Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho. Ronaldo said he personally approved the statement and that it was handed to Jesus ahead of his press conference before the Denmark game.

However, Ronaldo said Jesus did not follow the agreed script, marking what he described as the second time the coach had broken his word.

How The Dispute Began

Ronaldo said there had initially been no plan for him to play against either Norway or Denmark. The arrangement was reached after a conversation with Jesus.

However, on the day of the Nations League Group D match in Oslo on September 28, Jesus asked Ronaldo whether he would be willing to play for around 30 minutes.

Ronaldo agreed and warmed up, but was ultimately not brought onto the pitch.

Ronaldo said this was the first time Jesus had broken his word.

Two days later, Ronaldo met with Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho to discuss the situation. They agreed that Jesus would address the incident at his press conference ahead of the Denmark match in Copenhagen.

‘Pelé Or Maradona’ Remark In Proposed Statement

The most striking part of the eight-point statement was Jesus’ proposed admission that he had made a mistake by asking a player of Ronaldo’s stature to warm up without eventually bringing him on.

“I made a mistake by putting someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona on to warm up and then not putting him in the game. If it were today I would not do it,” the document stated.

Jesus was also expected to make clear that Ronaldo remained an important part of his plans for Portugal.

“To close the subject: I want Cristiano in the National Team. In fact I do not want him a little, I want him a lot,” the proposed statement read.

Another point was intended to address the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s decision not to greet supporters after the Norway match.

Jesus was expected to say that Ronaldo, who has made more than 230 appearances for Portugal, did not need to be taught about his love for the national team.

Ronaldo Says Jesus Broke His Word Again

Ronaldo said Jesus’ eventual press conference was very different from what had been discussed privately.

“The posture had nothing to do with our meeting,” Ronaldo said, adding that he heard “expressions and an aggressiveness” that he did not believe he deserved.

Ronaldo subsequently left the Portugal camp in Denmark, saying he did not want to wait for another breach of trust.

Ronaldo Still Committed To Portugal

Despite the dispute, Ronaldo made it clear that his ambitions with Portugal remain unchanged.

He apologised to supporters and his teammates for leaving the camp and acknowledged that the Portuguese Football Federation should be entitled to punish him.

Ronaldo also said he remains available for Portugal after serving any suspension that may be imposed.

“If I am physically well, playing for my club, with goals I hope, after serving the suspension that may be applied to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said.