Piers Morgan has rejected Jorge Jesus’ claim that Cristiano Ronaldo had “no problems” with Portugal, describing the statement as “nonsense” amid growing uncertainty over the captain’s future with the national team.
Morgan, the British journalist who is close to Ronaldo, made the comment on social media after Portugal coach Jesus addressed the situation at a pre-match news conference before the match against Denmark.
Jesus had said Ronaldo was not experiencing any issues. Morgan responded simply: “Nonsense.”
The dispute follows Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s training camp in Denmark on Wednesday. The Times reported that the forward departed after being told the team’s needs were more important than individual interests.
According to the report, the message came after an emergency meeting intended to settle differences between Ronaldo and Jesus.
Morgan disputed that account, saying: “That’s not why he left, and it will be clear when he speaks out.”
Ronaldo later confirmed that he had left the camp, explaining that he spoke to Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca after Jesus’ press conference before deciding to depart.
He said he would explain his reasons when the time was right, while stressing his continued commitment to Portugal.
Ronaldo wrote: “When the time is right, I will tell all Portuguese people the reasons for my departure from the national team. I have always been fully committed to this team.”
He added: “Now it is time to wish Portugal and all my teammates in the national team all the best, every single one of them.”
The controversy has also prompted speculation about whether Ronaldo’s international career is coming to an end.
O Jogo reported that the Portugal captain had made a final and irreversible decision not to return to the national team. The newspaper said the match against Wales would be Ronaldo’s final appearance in a Portugal shirt, bringing his international career to a close after years in which he set numerous records and achieved major honours.
Neither Ronaldo’s statement nor Morgan’s comments explained the precise reason for the departure. Morgan indicated that Ronaldo would provide a fuller account himself, saying the circumstances would become clear when he spoke publicly.
The developments leave Ronaldo’s relationship with Jesus and his future with Portugal facing significant scrutiny, after the coach publicly insisted there were no problems between them.
