Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence on what happened between him and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, revealing that the coach broke an agreement over his playing time during the latest international camp.
Ronaldo explained that after the 2026 World Cup, he had initially planned to leave the national team but was persuaded by Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença to reconsider. Ronaldo also revealed that he supported the appointment of Jorge Jesus and was “genuinely happy” with the decision.
According to Ronaldo, Jesus later told him that he was fundamental to his project and presented a plan for his participation in the upcoming matches.
“He told me I would play the first match and the last one, and that for reasons of physical management he would always make three to four changes per match.”
Jesus then suggested that Ronaldo remain in Portugal instead of travelling for the matches against Norway and Denmark, but the Al Nassr captain rejected the proposal, saying it would not set the right example for the national team.
Ronaldo said everything remained calm until the Norway match, when an assistant unexpectedly informed him that Jesus wanted to speak with him.
To my absolute surprise, the coach asked me if I was fit to play 30 minutes.
Ronaldo agreed, warmed up from half-time and waited to be introduced, but the call never came.
The coach had broken his word to me.
Meanwhile, Pedro Proença has previously insisted that Portugal wants Ronaldo back, saying that he wants Ronaldo back by November.
The latest statement from Ronaldo now gives his side of the story and could add another chapter to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his Portugal future.
