Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after feeling “betrayed” by head coach Jorge Jesus, according to Spanish journalist and close friend Edu Aguirre.
Ronaldo departed on Wednesday, hours after Jesus said there was no problem between him and the Portugal captain.
The dispute began when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway. The decision reportedly angered the Al Nassr forward, who then refused to take part in training after the match.
Ronaldo later held talks with Jesus and it appeared the disagreement had been resolved. However, Jesus told a news conference before Portugal’s match against Denmark that no player would change his ideas – and that nobody else in football would influence him.
Those comments prompted Ronaldo to leave the Portugal camp, according to Aguirre, who discussed the incident on the El Chiringuito programme.
“Jesus betrayed Cristiano Ronaldo,” Aguirre said. He claimed the manager had apologised to Ronaldo privately and promised to repeat that apology publicly at Wednesday’s news conference before facing Denmark, but chose instead to appear strong and failed to keep his word.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Aguirre said: “A meeting was held on Tuesday night between the president of the federation, the coach and Cristiano. Jesus apologised to Cristiano for ignoring him by making him warm up for 30 minutes against Norway without bringing him on.
“He did not stop at apologising privately. He also promised to apologise publicly and admit his mistake in front of everyone.”
Aguirre said Ronaldo’s anger was caused by the contrast between that private discussion and Jesus’ subsequent public comments.
“That was Jesus’ promise to Cristiano,” he said. “Then he went to the news conference and delivered a series of lies that nobody believed. That is why Cristiano exploded with anger, because he felt betrayed. There is no other explanation.”
The journalist outlined what he said Ronaldo had been told during the private conversation.
“Your coach comes to you privately and says: ‘Look, this is what happened. You understand me, right? I did not handle the situation well. We are in this together. I am sorry. If there is a news conference, I will explain everything and apologise. Do not worry, everything will be fine and everything will be resolved.’
“Then, 12 hours later, you go to the news conference and leave Cristiano exactly where he was. Worse than that, you act harshly and say that you are in charge and Cristiano is just another player.
“Go home and move on. That is why I say it was a betrayal.”