Cristiano Ronaldo rules out Portugal return while Jorge Jesus remains manager – Report
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Ronaldo’s international future looks all but over.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s public fallout with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has been one of the major talking points of the September-October international window.
The 41-year-old forward, who is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, left the national team camp after a row with Jesus regarding team selection choices. Ronaldo was an unused substitute during the Selecao das Quinas’ 2-1 win over Norway in the UEFA Nations League.
This was followed by an extraordinary press conference by Jesus, where the head coach left the door open for Ronaldo to continue his international career. However, Jesus strongly maintained that team selection rests solely with him.
“Everything is open. Cristiano must decide his own fate; it does not depend on me,” Jesus said. “It was a misunderstanding, and in my view it is easy to resolve. I am not sad; it is his decision.”
Following this, Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp aboard his private jet and also vowed to reveal the behind-the-scenes reasons for his departure at a later date.
Also Read: Top five Cristiano Ronaldo fallouts with managers
Ronaldo decides against Portugal return
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According to journalist Rui Santos, Ronaldo has reportedly decided that he will not return to the Portugal national team setup as long as Jorge Jesus remains in charge as head coach.
Santos, speaking to CNN Portugal, revealed that Jesus’ comments to the press did not go down well with Ronaldo. According to Santos, who cited information also reported by French website Foot Mercato, the Al-Nassr forward was deeply unhappy with how the dispute had been handled.
“He (Ronaldo) reportedly vented that he will not return to the national team, at least while Jorge Jesus is in technical command,” Santos said. “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).”
Jesus, on the other hand, has maintained that Ronaldo is free to return to the Portugal team “if he wants to”. The Portuguese Football Federation is also reportedly attempting to bring back the legendary forward for a farewell appearance.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo return to Portugal?
Ronaldo is reportedly unwilling to return to Portugal as long as Jorge Jesus remains in charge.
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo unhappy with Jorge Jesus?
Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with Jesus’ comments and the way the dispute over his Portugal role was handled.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from international football?
Ronaldo’s international future is uncertain, with reports suggesting he will not return while Jorge Jesus is Portugal head coach.
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