Ronaldo Explains Portugal Walkout, Accuses Coach Jesus of Breaking His Word

Published by: The Fatu Network

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence over his decision to leave Portugal’s national team camp, accusing head coach Jorge Jesus of twice breaking his word while accepting responsibility for walking out on the squad.

In a lengthy statement released on Tuesday, the 41 year old Portugal captain gave his account of the dispute, which followed his omission during Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway and eventually led to his departure from camp.

Ronaldo said he had discussed his role with Jesus before the international window and understood that his playing time would be carefully managed because of his physical condition.

According to Ronaldo, Jesus unexpectedly asked him on the day of the Norway match whether he was fit enough to play 30 minutes. Ronaldo said he agreed and was told to prepare to come on.

He warmed up from half time but was never introduced.

“The coach had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo also apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the match, saying his frustration did not excuse his actions.

He said a meeting was later held involving himself, Jesus and Simão Coutinho, Al Nassr’s sporting director, who Ronaldo said had been present during earlier discussions about his role.

According to Ronaldo, they agreed that Jesus would publicly explain what had happened and make clear that the situation was not the result of Ronaldo refusing to accept a technical decision.

Ronaldo said Jesus subsequently failed to give the agreed explanation.

“It was the second time he had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said. “I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises.”

Jesus has disputed Ronaldo’s account and denied that such agreements were made.

Ronaldo acknowledged that leaving the camp was wrong, regardless of the dispute with the coach, and apologised to his Portugal teammates.

“I should not have done it. The responsibility is exclusively mine,” he said.

He also said the Portuguese Football Federation should punish him for leaving and argued that his status as captain should not protect him from disciplinary action.

“I am not just any player, I am the team captain and that is an aggravating factor,” Ronaldo said.

The forward also addressed speculation that the dispute could mark the end of his international career.

Ronaldo revealed that after the 2026 World Cup he had prepared a letter announcing his departure from the national team, but reconsidered after Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença asked him to continue.

He said he had also supported the appointment of Jesus as Portugal coach and initially believed he was the right choice for the job.

Despite the current dispute, Ronaldo stopped short of retiring from international football.

He said that after serving whatever suspension is imposed, he will remain available for Portugal if he is physically fit, playing regularly for his club and still able to compete.

“When I think about the national team, what I really think about is competing,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain and record goalscorer, made clear that his immediate future with the national team remains open, even as the disagreement between him and Jesus continues.