Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence on his decision to leave Portugal’s national team camp and his disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, accusing the manager of breaking his word.
Ronaldo said Jesus had initially assured him that he was central to his plans and would feature in Portugal’s opening and final matches of the camp, with the coach also outlining a plan to manage his playing time.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he rejected a proposal to play against Norway and remain in Portugal before returning for the match at the Estádio do Dragão.
According to Ronaldo, he later agreed to play 30 minutes against Norway after Jesus asked whether he was fit enough to feature. However, despite warming up throughout the second half, he was not introduced.
“The coach had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain said he was disappointed by the situation but initially wanted the matter resolved privately. He subsequently held a meeting with Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho.
Ronaldo said they agreed that Jesus would explain during his press conference that he had proposed the original plan, that Ronaldo had never demanded playing time and that it was a mistake to ask him to warm up without eventually bringing him on.
However, Ronaldo said Jesus’ comments at the subsequent press conference were different from what had been agreed during their private meeting.
“The conference was what is known: the posture had nothing to do with our meeting; I heard expressions and an aggressiveness that I do not believe I deserved, an attitude of ‘I want, I can and I command’ that he never showed me, not even remotely, in private the day before.”
Ronaldo also addressed criticism over his decision not to greet Portugal supporters after the Norway match, admitting that his reaction was wrong.
“I apologise to the Portuguese who supported us intensely there, I apologise to the fans, and I apologise to those who, without being Portuguese, may have travelled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed.”
He added that leaving the camp was his responsibility, despite his belief that Jesus had breached their agreement.
“I also owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp. Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it.”
Ronaldo said he accepted that the Portuguese Football Federation could punish him for leaving the camp, insisting that his status as captain should not exempt him from disciplinary action.
“The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor.”
Despite the controversy, the 41-year-old made it clear that he has no intention of permanently ending his international career.
Ronaldo said he would remain available for Portugal after serving any suspension that may be imposed, provided he remains fit and continues to play for his club.
“Therefore, 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.”
He also dismissed suggestions that his immediate priority was arranging a farewell appearance for Portugal, saying his focus remained on competing for the country.
“But when I think of the national team, what I really think of is competing.”
Ronaldo concluded his lengthy statement by insisting that his account represented the full truth about the dispute.
“This is, believe me, the purest of truths. Cristiano Ronaldo”.
