Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he had not yet read Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement and declined to discuss it. By then, the forward had left the national team camp before the Nations League match against Denmark.
“I was in Leiria watching the youth team. I’ll read the statement now; I have nothing to say,” A Bola quoted Jesus as saying. Sport-Express reported that Ronaldo issued the statement after a dispute over an arrangement with the coach.
According to the outlet, the 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s camp before the team’s 4–2 Nations League win over Denmark. Jesus had planned to keep him on the bench. Ronaldo had also not played in the earlier match against Norway, which Portugal won 2–1.
In his statement, Ronaldo said the coach had broken his word twice and listed points that, according to the player, Jesus had approved ahead of the press conference before the Denmark match. These allegations represent Ronaldo’s account. Other outlets have also reported a dispute over the playing plan and the captain’s departure from the squad.