Portugal coach Jorge Jesus finally speaks out about the Cristiano Ronaldo situation
Jorge Jesus says he won’t avoid talking about Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s training camp.
Ronaldo said on Wednesday (September 30) that he plans to share “the truth” about why he left after reports said there was a clash with Jesus, following Ronaldo getting little playing time against Norway.
The 41-year-old forward, Portugal’s top scorer with 146 goals in 243 games, met with Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca on Wednesday to clear things up.
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Soon after, Jesus downplayed the rumors of a fight. But after missing two training sessions, Ronaldo announced he was leaving the team.
He said in a statement, “After the national team coach’s press conference and a talk with the Federation president, I decided to leave the training camp. I will share the real reasons with the Portuguese people soon. For now, I wish the best to Portugal and all my teammates.”
Just before Portugal’s game against Denmark on Thursday, Jesus was asked about Ronaldo’s decision. He said, “I’ll explain everything after the last game. I have many years in football and I know I did nothing wrong. After the Norway game, we will talk more. I won’t hide or run away from this.”
Jesus also said, “No one can take away what Cristiano means to the team. He’s an icon, no doubt about that.”
The disagreement reportedly started during the Norway game, when Ronaldo warmed up for about 30 minutes in the second half but didn’t get to play.
They had an urgent meeting with Ronaldo, Proenca, and Jesus. Jesus was said to be sorry and promised to admit the mistake publicly.
Still, Jesus made it clear in his press conference that the team comes first. “I am the coach. I told the player he wouldn’t play. I’ll put him on the bench; if I need him for 30 minutes, he plays; if not, he doesn’t,” Jesus said. “No player will change my mind. Not Ronaldo, not anyone. Not even a president.”
Jesus’s words seem to have upset Ronaldo. El Chiringuito’s Edu Aguirre said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels “betrayed.” Ronaldo reportedly thinks Jesus made those comments to show he’s still in charge.