Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence over his controversial departure from Portugal’s UEFA Nations League camp, accusing coach Jorge Jesus of failing to honour key promises regarding his playing time and management.
Cristiano Ronaldo has finally opened up about his sudden departure from the Portuguese national football camp during the UEFA Nations League, stirring a major controversy worldwide. On social media, he posted a detailed account of his sudden departure from the training camp and the fallout with the coach.
The 41-year-old left Portugal’s national camp ahead of last week’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark after a breakdown in communication with Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of breaking promises
In a detailed post, Ronaldo claimed Jesus broke his promises twice, raising doubts about the credibility of the coach’s assurances. He revealed that the coach had agreed that he would not play the Norway and Denmark clash to manage his fitness. But on the day of the Norway clash, the coach told Ronaldo that he would feature for 30 minutes.
“The rest everyone knows. I warmed up from halftime, watched the minutes go by, and was never called on. The head coach had failed to keep his word,” the Portuguese forward said.
Ronaldo also revealed that he had a meeting with Jesus and Simao Coutinho, the sporting director of SPL outfit Al-Nassr. It was agreed during the meeting that the coach would issue a public clarification, and an eight-point plan was prepared that highlighted what would be said.
More from Football NewsHe also confirmed that none of the points had asked Jesus to apologise to him, but the coach failed to keep his word, and he “decided to leave the camp without waiting for any further broken promise.”
Ronaldo breaks silence on retirement
Ronaldo also spoke about the chatter around his farewell appearance and assured that he is not thinking about retiring from international football and is focused on competing for Portugal rather than planning a farewell.
He also insisted that tributes can wait until the right time.
“I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity. I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone.
“I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that. But when I think of the national team, what I really think of is competing,” Ronaldo added.
The Portuguese footballer has assured that he is not done with international football, but only time will tell whether he will be suspended or brought back into the fold.