Jorge Jesus Defends Cristiano Ronaldo After Portugal Walkout Before Norway Clash
Portugal coach Jesus has broken his silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s walkout, insisting the forward remains “a symbol” of both the national side and the country ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Norway.
Jesus addresses Ronaldo row
Speaking on Saturday, October 3, Jesus said he could not avoid the issue surrounding Ronaldo but indicated that a fuller response would come after the Norway game.
- “I cannot ignore the Cristiano Ronaldo subject,” Jesus said.
- “Cris is a symbol of the Portugal national team. He is a symbol of Portugal. Let that be absolutely clear.”
- He added that there would be time after the match to discuss the situation in greater detail.
The comments came after Portugal’s 4-2 win over Denmark on Thursday, a result overshadowed by the continuing dispute involving their captain.
Unused role triggered camp departure
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after being named among the substitutes but not used in last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Norway. His departure has intensified a dispute with Jesus and raised questions over his international future.
The 40-year-old also engaged with an Instagram video in which former Brazil and Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo criticised Portugal’s treatment of Ronaldo.
Melo argued that Ronaldo receives insufficient respect compared with Lionel Messi, saying there was a “grotesque difference” in how opponents treat the two stars. He said Ronaldo should not have been allowed to leave as though nothing had happened and described the situation as unacceptable.
Claimed apology and disciplinary risk
The dispute is said to centre on an alleged broken promise from Jesus. Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre said the coach had apologised privately after Ronaldo spent around 30 minutes warming up without entering the Norway match.
- Jesus was said to have accepted that the decision was a tactical error.
- He allegedly told Ronaldo he would acknowledge that mistake publicly.
- That public admission did not follow in Jesus’ subsequent media appearance.
- Ronaldo reportedly felt betrayed and then left the squad setup.
Portugal’s disciplinary rules provide for a suspension of between one and six months when a player abandons national-team duties without justification. Any sanction could put Ronaldo’s involvement with Portugal in serious doubt.
What happens next
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has already stepped in to discuss the national-team crisis. Attention will now turn to Ronaldo, who has indicated he will explain publicly why he left the camp.
Portugal face Norway on Sunday, with Jesus expected to face further questions once the match is over.
