Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence regarding his row with national coach Jorge Jesus, issuing an official statement on Tuesday.
In the statement, the national team captain details the circumstances surrounding his departure from the team after the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo states that after the competition, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation insisted he reconsider his decision to leave, as the FPF wanted him to continue.
He also revealed he gave his approval for Jorge Jesus's selection as the new coach. However, disagreements arose when the coach proposed a usage plan that included not travelling for away games, which Ronaldo immediately refused, deeming it a poor example as captain. The conversation was attended by Simão Coutinho, Sporting Director of Al Nassr.
Ronaldo describes a subsequent meeting at his home where initial agreements were maintained, and his participation in the Alvalade match. However, he expresses surprise when, on the day of the Norway game, he was asked if he was okay to play 30 minutes, despite not being part of his physical recovery plan for that day, having been told he would only play at the Dragão stadium.
