Ronaldo says he is not retiring, accuses Portugal coach of breaking his word

Cristiano Ronaldo said he is not retiring from international football and remains available for Portugal, while accusing national coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word to him, in a lengthy statement released through the Portuguese media on Tuesday. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

Ronaldo walked out of Portugal's training camp last week ahead of a Nations League match in Denmark after being unhappy at being an unused substitute in Portugal's previous match against Norway, according to The National. Jesus then said his captain would not start the game in Copenhagen, prompting Ronaldo to leave. [ 2 ]

In the statement, Ronaldo gave his account of the dispute and said he should be held accountable. “The Portuguese Football Federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them. I believe the punishment should not be reduced,” he said. He added that he had already apologised but that actions have consequences, and he apologised to supporters who had travelled. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]

The documents describe the playing-time plan differently. The National reported Ronaldo said Jesus had agreed a plan under which he would miss the Norway and Denmark matches to manage his fitness, but that on the day of the Norway game the coach told him he would play 30 minutes; Ronaldo said he warmed up from half-time and was not called on, calling it a breach of trust. Gulf News reported Ronaldo said Jesus initially proposed that he play Portugal's first and final matches of the international window and not travel for the games in Norway and Denmark, that Ronaldo rejected the idea because he felt as captain he should not stay behind while his teammates travelled, and that Jesus accepted his reasoning. [ 1 , 2 ]

Ronaldo said he expected the coach to publicly clarify the situation and accept responsibility, but that Jesus did not follow through and instead spoke aggressively at a press conference, causing a breakdown of trust, according to Emirates 24|7. The National reported Ronaldo said a meeting with Jesus, attended by Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho, produced an agreement that the coach would clarify events at his next press conference, and that an eight-point document was prepared stating he had never demanded playing time and had respected the coach's decisions. Gulf News reported later that Jorge Jesus had no words for Ronaldo's statement. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Ronaldo said he would play for Portugal again. “I can promise all my fans, and naturally especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches. There will be time for that,” he said, adding that if he is physically fit and playing for his club he will be available after serving whatever suspension is imposed. [ 4 ]