Ronaldo threatens to return if the breach of promise is resolved
On Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped into the public eye for the first time to explain his hasty departure from the Portuguese national football team's training camp. In an Instagram post, head coach Jorge Jesus accuses him of breaking his word, while the 41‑year‑old veteran emphasizes that he is ready to return to the Seleção if he is still needed.
Plan for the Nations League
In a detailed statement, Ronaldo explained that Jesus had agreed to a plan under which he should sit out the matches against Norway and Denmark to preserve his fitness. The 234‑cap international and record goal‑scorer (146 goals) confirmed that he had agreed to this approach.
On the day of the Norway match, the 72‑year‑old coach told him, however, that he should play for 30 minutes. Ronaldo warmed up from halftime, watched the minutes pass and was not substituted in. “The coach broke his word to me,” he said in the interview.
After the match, Ronaldo met with Jesus and sporting director Simão Coutinho. Together they decided to explain the events at a press conference to clear up any misunderstandings.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of broken promises, Portugal in crisis
Ronaldo after the incident
An Instagram post revealed an eight‑point document stating that Ronaldo never demanded playing time and respects Jesus’s decision. He emphasized that he did not ask for an apology, but left the training camp after his word was broken a second time. “It was the second time he broke his word to me,” wrote the 41‑year‑old.
Ronaldo apologized to the fans and teammates and admitted that his conduct as team captain was especially serious. “The consequences of my actions must be assessed and sanctioned by the Portuguese football federation,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed his willingness to play for Portugal again as soon as he is physically fit. The veteran, who is contracted with Al‑Nassr until the summer of 2027, added that after a possible suspension expires he is ready at any time to score goals and win.
Cristiano Ronaldo accuses Jorge Jesus of not keeping the promise
Jesus said that after the 2‑1 victory over Norway in Porto he is open to Ronaldo’s return. “For me, Cris is a candidate for the squad at the next call‑up – provided he is playing for Al‑Nassr –,” the coach said. He noted that the final decision in November does not rest solely with him. The report by Cornelius Poppe at Reuters/NTB provides the details.