Cristiano Ronaldo explained on Tuesday evening why he left Portugal’s national team camp during the international window. The Al Nassr striker claims that head coach Jorge Jesus failed to keep his promises regarding his playing time and accuses him of contradicting himself in private discussions and public statements.
According to Ronaldo, after the 2026 World Cup, the coach presented him with a personalized schedule. He was expected to play in the first and last matches of the four-game period, while his physical workload would be managed through regular substitutions. Ronaldo says he even refused the possibility of staying in Portugal for the away matches, believing that his role as captain required him to be present with the team.
In the match against Norway, the player says he was told he would play for approximately 30 minutes. He warmed up at halftime but was not brought onto the pitch. Ronaldo took responsibility for not greeting the supporters at the end of the match, but believes the episode represented a breach of the agreement with the coach.
The footballer claims that Jorge Jesus subsequently adopted a different attitude at the press conference from the one he had shown during their private discussion. Ronaldo described the situation as a “total betrayal,” but said he does not intend to retire from international football. He says he will return to the national team after serving any potential suspension and if he is physically fit.
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