Cristiano Ronaldo’s lengthy statement has intensified the dispute surrounding his future with Portugal, rather than calming tensions after his angry departure from the national team’s training camp.
The 41-year-old published his account on Tuesday evening after being left on the bench against Norway and then warming up without being introduced. Ronaldo said the row centred on an agreement with manager Jorge Jesus that the coach would explain the situation to the media. According to Ronaldo, that explanation never came, causing the disagreement to escalate.
Although Ronaldo made clear that he was not considering international retirement and left open the possibility of returning to Portugal duty, the statement has prompted further criticism. Much of the reaction on social media has reflected the sadness of supporters who had hoped for a different ending to the captain’s international career after more than two decades of achievements and memories.
Comparisons with Lionel Messi have also added to the debate. Messi’s departure from Argentina was accompanied by emotional scenes and widespread recognition, whereas Ronaldo has found himself at the centre of a dispute involving the coaching staff and the Portuguese Football Federation.
According to a report by Foot Mercato, some Portuguese media outlets have described Ronaldo’s statement as detached from reality.
‘Ronaldo’s ego even forgot Eusebio’
O Jogo was among the most critical publications. One of its writers questioned why Ronaldo and his personal team – which includes employees from Al Nassr and others – believed Jorge Jesus would go to a press conference and read out the eight points raised in the statement.
Particular attention was given to the sixth point, in which Ronaldo compared himself with Pele and Diego Maradona.
“Ronaldo’s ego even forgot Eusebio… it is all about ego,” the writer said.
The article argued that Ronaldo had placed himself at the centre of the dispute in an attempt to target Jorge Jesus and Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation. It also suggested the episode could mark the end of Ronaldo’s Portugal career.
Despite the disagreement, there is one clear point of agreement in Portugal: the national team is the biggest loser. The dispute has overshadowed the camp, while none of Ronaldo’s team-mates has publicly defended or supported him since the statement was released.
A poll by A Bola found that 71% of respondents believed Ronaldo would not return to Portugal. A further 6% supported him and blamed Jorge Jesus for failing to honour his promise, while 13% believed all parties should meet, resolve the dispute and restore calm.
Ronaldo still has prominent defenders, including Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre and British broadcaster Piers Morgan. In Portugal, some of his strongest support has come from Record, owned by Medialivre, in which Ronaldo holds a 30% stake.
Record journalist Bernardo Ribeiro said Ronaldo faced a long road to repairing his relationship with the federation, but criticised its officials as “idiots” influenced by people working with Jorge Jesus. He also accused them of “damaging the reputation of some Medialivre employees”.
Ronaldo is expected to face disciplinary action for leaving the camp during the international break. However, the main question is whether Jorge Jesus will select him again. Ronaldo holds Portugal records for appearances, with 234, and goals, with 146.
Portugal host Denmark on 14 November before visiting Wales on 17 November. Jorge Jesus is now expected to give his own account of the dispute, having so far avoided discussing its details.
