Here’s the secret: The eight notes Cristiano Ronaldo gave Jorge Jesus to check out during his press conference!
Cristiano Ronaldo gave eight notes to Portugal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, for him to share at a press conference. Ronaldo left the Portugal team camp on Wednesday, September 30, after Jesus decided not to play him in their 2-1 Nations League win over Norway.
The 41-year-old star made a statement after having open talks with the manager and the Portuguese Football Federation president, Pedro Proença.
In a social media post, Ronaldo said he would explain “the reasons” why he left the training camp. Then, on Tuesday, October 6, Ronaldo revealed that the main problem was Jesus telling him he wouldn’t be part of the group traveling to Norway and Denmark.
Ronaldo disagreed with this decision because he felt it wouldn’t be a good example for his teammates. He also said he was asked to think about retiring from international football and later apologized to the “Portuguese people.”
His detailed, 1,740-word statement included eight points he approved for Jesus to say at his press conference:
1. “I personally made a plan for Cristiano this season with the National Team. It was a long, good conversation.”
2. “I know how much he loves the national team and the influence he’s had for 24 years.”
3. “The plan I proposed was accepted by Cristiano.”
4. “He never questioned my choices. He was loyal, professional, and respectful.”
5. “The Norway match wasn’t part of the plan, but I saw he had recovered and warned him I might use him. Cristiano agreed.”
6. “I made a mistake warming him up and not playing him. I wouldn’t do that again.”
7. “I want Cristiano on the National Team very much. Luckily, he believes in me too.”
8. “About not greeting fans—he’s played over 230 matches and loves Portugal. It was just a moment of frustration.”
Ronaldo’s achievements with Portugal are unforgettable, but this feels like a sad ending for one of the greatest players ever. He could face a ban of one to six months since leaving the national team camp breaks federation rules. Such a ban might hurt his chances to fix things with Jesus and play in a farewell match.
Lionel Messi recently had a special farewell, scoring in his last game for Argentina after 21 years. Ronaldo’s old Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric hopes he can have something similar. After Croatia’s Nations League loss to Spain, Modric said:
“No, I haven’t spoken to him. It’s hard to comment because I don’t know all the details. I hope they find a solution because Cristiano is the greatest player in Portugal’s history and deserves a proper farewell.”
He added, “Whether he retires or not, he deserves a great goodbye that matches his amazing career.”
Modric played alongside Ronaldo 222 times at Real Madrid and truly wants his friend to end his Portugal career in a fair and happy way.