Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus responded on Wednesday to a statement issued by Cristiano Ronaldo detailing the dispute between the two during the national team’s camp in Denmark, which ended with the Portugal captain leaving the camp.
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“I read the statement. Now, as I do every day, I will go to the federation to work and focus on the team and the Portuguese national team. I have nothing more to say,” Jesus said.
Ronaldo had accused Jesus in his statement of failing to adhere to an agreement regarding his planned participation in Nations League matches, revealing details of the dispute that preceded his departure from the camp.
The Portugal captain explained that Jesus had asked for a short document containing eight points, which was handed to him before the press conference ahead of the Denmark match, with the intention of using it as a basis for his comments to the media.
However, Ronaldo said that “none of what was discussed was carried out in front of the media,” referring to the points that had been agreed upon between the two.
In his statement, Ronaldo apologized to the Portuguese people and acknowledged that he deserved to be punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. He also discussed the details of his dispute with Jesus and his position regarding his participation with the national team.
Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals for Portugal during an international career spanning more than 23 years, highlighted his status within the national team, calling for his contributions to be taken into account and comparing his international stature with players such as Pele and Maradona.
He also addressed his future with Portugal, mentioning the possibility of playing “one or more farewell matches,” while expecting to receive a suspension as a result of the incident.
In Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal recorded three consecutive victories, while Gonçalo Ramos scored three goals. However, the results did not put an end to the controversy sparked by the dispute between the captain and his coach.
Jesus’ response was brief, as he declined to comment on the details raised by Ronaldo, saying only that he had read the statement and that his focus was currently on working with the federation and the Portuguese national team.
