Portuguese Football Federation chief Pedro Boroensa has clarified the incident between Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus, stating it was a misunderstanding. Boroensa expressed his thoughts via the Portuguese newspaper "A Bola", emphasizing that the issue would be resolved internally. He stressed that discussions between coaches and players are common and that Ronaldo, being one of the greatest players in history, is a symbol of Portuguese football.
Boroensa highlighted Ronaldo's importance to the Portuguese national team, noting that he has been a key player for over two decades. The federation chief mentioned that Ronaldo was the captain in the first of the four matches and that Jesus had stated he relies on Ronaldo if he is in good physical condition. This, according to Boroensa, applies to all players, underscoring Ronaldo's exceptional status in the team.
The incident occurred after Ronaldo was benched, leading to speculation about a rift between him and Jesus. However, Boroensa assured that there is a strong relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus, which has contributed to Ronaldo's decision to continue playing for the national team despite being able to retire after the World Cup.
Boroensa praised Ronaldo as a Portuguese brand and an exceptional player, emphasizing his love for the national team and the excellent relationship he has with the Portuguese people. He expressed confidence that the issue between Ronaldo and Jesus has been resolved, allowing the team to move forward.
Jesus had opened the door for Ronaldo's potential return to the national team, stating that everything is open and that Ronaldo needs to decide what he wants to do. The coach had previously mentioned that the issue was a misunderstanding and that it was easy for him to resolve.
Portugal secured a 2-1 win against Norway in their latest match, earning a spot in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League. The match saw Portugal playing with 10 men from the 86th minute after Francisco Conceicao was red-carded. This win marked Portugal's second consecutive victory without Ronaldo, who had left the team's camp following the incident.
Looking ahead, Boroensa expressed hope that the team would come together again in November to support the national team. He emphasized the importance of unity and calm discussions to resolve any issues, ensuring that the focus remains on supporting the team.
Key points
- The Portuguese Football Federation chief Pedro Boroensa clarified that the incident between Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus was a misunderstanding.
- Ronaldo is considered a symbol of Portuguese football and has been a key player for over two decades.
- Portugal secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 win against Norway.
