Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo will decide whether he returns to the national team. Ronaldo left the squad last week after being left on the bench against Norway. He was also told he would not start against Denmark. He then posted on social media that he would explain his reasons later.
Jesus spoke to reporters after Portugal beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday. He said Ronaldo can come back if he wants to. He added that they can talk before the next squad is named. But he repeated that the decision belongs to Ronaldo. Jesus said Ronaldo should decide how he wants to end his time with the national team. He recalled that in his first call-up, he told Ronaldo he needed him close, whether he was playing or not. He said he feels the same way now.
Portugal have done well without Ronaldo. They won 4-2 in Denmark and then beat Norway. They finished the group with a perfect record. They have also qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. He has 146 goals in 234 appearances. He has also won the Ballon d’Or five times.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca also spoke about the situation. He said Ronaldo is still part of the team’s plans. He called the episode a misunderstanding that should be settled internally. He said Ronaldo is in the national team on sporting merit, and that should not be questioned. He added that Ronaldo deserves respect and tribute.
Jesus coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He expects Ronaldo to be available for the next international window if he chooses to return. Portugal host Denmark on November 14 and then travel to Wales three days later.
…Refuses to Apologise Over Ronaldo Fallout
The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus is still growing. It flared up again after Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in the Nations League. Jesus had a sharp exchange with a journalist during his press conference. He refused to say sorry for how he handled Ronaldo.
Portugal have now won four games in a row. They have also qualified for the quarter-finals. But Ronaldo’s absence is still the main story. The 41-year-old left the national team camp after his argument with Jesus. Jesus had kept him on the bench after a long warm-up.
A reporter asked Jesus if he planned to apologise to Ronaldo. Jesus fired back: “Apologise for what? And what would be the motive that pushes me to apologise?” He then explained that the main issue was the player’s warm-up. He said he takes responsibility for the decision but asked again what he should apologise for and to whom. He called the question ridiculous.
A media officer from the Portuguese Federation tried to change the subject. Jesus was not done. He returned to the point and asked again, “Apologise for what? What is the problem?” Then he made his authority clear. He said he is the manager and he calls up whoever he wants. He said he does not consult anyone about which players he selects or who plays. He added that some matters as a manager are not open to negotiation.
Jesus has not ruled out a return for Ronaldo if the player wants it. But the crisis is putting more pressure on the coach. The next international break is coming up. Portugal play Denmark on November 14. Everyone will be watching to see if Ronaldo comes back into the squad or if the rift continues.
Omar Al Somah Says Portugal Are Better Without Ronaldo
Omar Al Somah has made a bold claim about Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Al Ahli striker said Portugal are a better team without their captain. His comments came during the current crisis between Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
The trouble started when Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench against Norway. He then told Ronaldo he would not start the next match either. Ronaldo responded by leaving the Portugal camp. He returned to Riyadh to train with his club, Al Nassr.
Al Somah spoke to beIN SPORTS about the situation. He did not hold back. He said there is no question about Ronaldo’s abilities. But he added that Ronaldo is no longer the player he once was. He said Ronaldo is not capable at the technical or physical level anymore. In his view, Portugal are currently better off without him.
Al Somah spoke about how Portugal’s players treat Ronaldo on the pitch. He said even the players do not want to pass to him. He claimed he has seen some players change their positions and pass the ball in the opposite direction to Ronaldo.
FAQs
Q. Who will decide Cristiano Ronaldo’s future in Portugal?
A. Ronaldo will decide whether he returns.
Q. Why did Ronaldo leave the Portugal squad?
A. Ronaldo left after being dropped to the bench.
Q. How many goals has Ronaldo scored for Portugal?
A. Ronaldo has scored 146 international goals.
Q. What did Jorge Jesus say about apologising to Ronaldo?
A. Jesus said he had no reason to apologise.
Q. When will Portugal next play Denmark?
A. Portugal will host Denmark on November 14.
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