Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says he has not yet read Cristiano Ronaldo’s lengthy public statement outlining the dispute that led to the forward’s recent departure from the national team camp.
Jesus made the comment late Tuesday after Ronaldo, 41, released a detailed account of the events surrounding his decision to leave the Portugal camp last week.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Jesus told reporters that he had been watching Portugal’s Under-21 match instead of reading Ronaldo’s statement.
“I didn’t read Cristiano’s statement, I was watching Portugal U21 game. I will now have time to read it,” Jesus was quoted as saying.
Ronaldo’s statement provided his version of the disagreement with the Portugal manager, who took charge of the national team after the 2026 World Cup and had previously worked with the forward at Al Nassr.
The Al Nassr captain claimed Jesus had failed to honour an agreement concerning his playing time during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Norway.
Ronaldo said there had been an earlier understanding that he would play for around 30 minutes, but he was eventually left on the bench despite completing an extended warm-up during the match.
The forward also alleged that a subsequent private meeting involving officials from the Portuguese Football Federation resulted in an agreement over points Jesus would clarify publicly. Ronaldo claimed those points were not reflected in the coach’s comments at the later press conference.
Ronaldo apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for the manner in which he left the national team camp. He also acknowledged that disciplinary action could follow, while leaving open the possibility of returning to the squad.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of Portugal’s unbeaten start under Jesus in Nations League matches this autumn. The veteran coach has maintained that there was no fundamental crisis within the team and that the same squad rules apply to every player.
Jesus is expected to address Ronaldo’s statement after having an opportunity to read the full account, potentially providing his response to the claims made by the Portugal captain.
SOURCE: PUNCH
