Portugal boss Jorge Jesus responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s bombshell statement
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Jorge Jesus has read Cristiano Ronaldo’s near 2,000-word statement explaining his withdrawal from the Portugal squad, but the national team head coach declined to say anything more about it.
Speaking to reporters as he left his home on Wednesday, Jesus said: “I read the statement and now I do (like I do) every day. I’m going to the federation to work, think about the team.”
Ronaldo walked out of Portugal’s training camp last week. His departure came after he stayed on the bench for the whole of the 2-1 Nations League win against Norway on September 27.
The 41-year-old has since published his lengthy explanation, saying he pulled out of the squad after a “breach of trust” between himself and the head coach.
In the statement, Ronaldo said he and Jesus had agreed a game-management plan for the latest round of Nations League fixtures.
That plan changed during the opening game against Norway, according to the forward. Ronaldo said he had been told he would play for 30 minutes, and although he was asked to warm up in the second half, he was not brought on.
He also accused Jesus of going back on an agreement to help explain his frustrations at a press conference before the Denmark game.
That agreement followed a meeting between the pair and Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho.
Ronaldo apologised in the statement to his Portugal team-mates and to the Portuguese people. He said he would be available to play for his country in future.
“The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation,” Ronaldo said on Instagram.
“I believe the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player. I am a team captain and that is an aggravating factor.
“I have already apologised but I know that actions must have consequences.”
Portugal won both of the fixtures Ronaldo missed, beating Denmark and then Norway.
Those results left them top of Group A4 with four straight wins, and fuelled speculation that the forward’s international career could be over.
Ronaldo has scored a record-breaking 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
Jesus left the door open to the Al Nassr player when he spoke at a press conference after Sunday’s win against Norway, saying: “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.”
