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Analysis
- 6 hours ago
Ronaldo won't return to Portugal unless current manager leaves
2 min read
News
Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly refuse to play for Portugal again while Jorge Jesus remains in charge.
The Al-Nassr star has dominated Nations League headlines during the latest international break after his unexpected departure from the Portugal camp.
The 41-year-old left the squad after being an unused substitute for Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. His decision immediately sparked questions over whether his international career had reached its conclusion, particularly after Ronaldo hinted that he would "tell the truth" about what led to his departure one day.
Portugal head coach Jesus subsequently made it clear that the door remains open for CR7 to return.
Speaking on Sunday, Jesus insisted that the decision ultimately rests with the veteran forward.
"If he wants to, he'll return to the national team," Jesus said.
"We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide.
"In my first call-up, I said, 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you.' And now I'm saying the same thing."
However, it does appear that the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus is now irreparable.
"He reportedly vented that he will not return to the national team, at least while Jorge Jesus is in technical command,'"Journalist Rui Santos told CNN Portugal.
"He is not satisfied in the slightest with the handling of this entire process. He was particularly outraged by the content of the statements made by Jorge Jesus, the head coach.
"He has stopped believing and stopped trusting in contradictions between the expressed desire to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back, so he can still participate in the Nations League, but at the same time saying and fully emphasising that 'there are no apologies from anyone, I am not here to ask for apologies, I am the one who makes the squad selection' - and therefore an exercise of authority.
"The narrative was one of inclusion, of including Cristiano Ronaldo, not of exclusion [but it hasn't worked]."
Ronaldo was involved from the start in Portugal’s opening match of the international window, featuring at home against Wales. However, he was left out of the starting lineup for the subsequent clash with Norway, a decision that reportedly contributed to tensions between the forward and Jesus.
While the Portugal manager attempted to downplay the situation, Ronaldo’s own comments only intensified speculation. He announced on Instagram that he had decided to leave the national team camp following a press conference and a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
Ronaldo said he would eventually explain to the Portuguese public the reasons behind his decision, stressing that he had always given his commitment to the national team.
He ended his message by wishing Portugal and his teammates well, making it clear that his departure was not intended to single anyone out.
Portugal subsequently responded on the pitch, securing victories in both of their Nations League matches following Ronaldo’s exit from the camp.
