Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence on Portugal exit and accused Jorge Jesus of breaking promises.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence on his controversial departure from the national team camp, accusing head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking promises made to him and revealing that he had initially planned to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo, 41, said he was persuaded by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to reconsider his decision to retire after the World Cup and subsequently supported the appointment of Jesus as the new national team coach.
In a lengthy statement released on Tuesday, Ronaldo detailed his version of events surrounding his departure from Portugal’s camp and said the disagreement centred on an agreed plan for managing his playing time.
According to Ronaldo, Jesus initially told him that he would play Portugal’s first match and the final game at the Dragão, while his minutes would be managed for physical reasons.
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Ronaldo said he rejected an initial proposal to remain in Portugal while the team travelled to Norway and Denmark, arguing that staying behind would not set the right example for the national team captain.
However, during Portugal’s match against Norway, Ronaldo said Jesus unexpectedly asked whether he could play 30 minutes. He agreed, warmed up from half-time but was ultimately not introduced.
“The coach had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said.
The forward claimed that a subsequent meeting involving himself, Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho resulted in an agreement that Jesus would publicly clarify what had happened.
Ronaldo said the coach was expected to acknowledge that Ronaldo had not requested playing time, that the plan had been proposed by Jesus and that it was a mistake to ask him to warm up without eventually bringing him onto the pitch.
However, Ronaldo said Jesus failed to honour that agreement during his subsequent press conference.
He described the incident as the second time Jesus had broken his word to him and said he decided to leave the camp rather than wait for another breach of trust.
Ronaldo also apologised for failing to greet Portugal supporters after the victory over Norway and for leaving the camp, admitting that his actions should have consequences.
He said he would accept any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation, arguing that being the national team captain made his conduct more serious.
Despite the fallout, Ronaldo made clear that he has not retired from international football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said that if he remains physically fit and continues playing for his club, he will be available for future Portugal fixtures after serving any suspension imposed on him.
“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.”
Ronaldo also said farewell matches would eventually take place but stressed that his immediate priority remains competing for Portugal rather than preparing for a ceremonial departure.
The latest development comes days after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp following Jesus’ press conference ahead of the Nations League clash with Denmark. Jesus had previously said Ronaldo would not start the match, after the veteran forward remained an unused substitute against Norway despite warming up.
Jesus has since said Ronaldo remains eligible to return to the national team if he wants to, describing the situation as something that could be resolved.
Ronaldo’s latest statement, however, gives his most detailed account yet of the dispute and directly challenges Jesus’ handling of their private agreements.
