Portugal coach Jorge Jesus stated on Tuesday that he had not yet read Cristiano Ronaldo's lengthy statement addressing their recent disagreement. Jesus explained that his attention was focused on the Portugal Under-21 team. He made the comment after Ronaldo, 41, published a detailed account of the events surrounding his departure from the Portugal national team's training camp last week.
Ronaldo's statement came amid reports of a disagreement between the Portugal captain and Jesus over his playing time and comments made during the team's recent international engagements. According to Ronaldo, Jesus had failed to honour an understanding they had reached over the amount of playing time he would receive during the international window. This understanding reportedly included playing for about 30 minutes against Norway in the UEFA Nations League.
However, Ronaldo alleged that he was eventually left on the bench despite completing an extended warm-up. The Al Nassr player also claimed that a subsequent private meeting involving officials of the Portuguese Football Federation resulted in an agreement on issues that Jesus was expected to clarify publicly at a later press conference. Ronaldo said Jesus's subsequent comments did not reflect what had been agreed during the meeting.
Ronaldo decided to make his account public to explain his actions and provide his version of events surrounding his departure from the national-team camp. He apologised to his teammates and supporters over the manner of his departure, while acknowledging that he could face disciplinary action as a result. Despite the dispute, Ronaldo did not rule out returning to the national team, leaving open the possibility of rejoining the squad in the future.
Jesus, who took charge of Portugal following the 2026 World Cup, has previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The coach has maintained that there was no fundamental crisis within the national team and that the rules governing the squad apply equally to all players. Portugal remain unbeaten under Jesus in their Nations League matches this autumn.
According to a post by football expert Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, Jesus told reporters: "I didn't read Cristiano's statement, I was watching Portugal U21 game. I will now have time to read it." Jesus's focus on the Portugal Under-21 team was evident, as he chose to watch their game instead of reading Ronaldo's statement.
The disagreement between Jesus and Ronaldo has garnered significant attention, with many fans and pundits weighing in on the issue. While Ronaldo's statement provided his side of the story, Jesus's comments suggest that he will address the issue in due course. The situation remains a topic of interest for football fans, particularly in Portugal and Nigeria, where the news is being closely followed.
Key points
- Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has not read Cristiano Ronaldo's statement addressing their recent disagreement.
- Ronaldo's statement addressed the events surrounding his departure from the Portugal national team's training camp last week.
- Despite the dispute, Ronaldo did not rule out returning to the national team in the future.
