Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that he had not yet read Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent statement, insisting that he was focused on watching Portugal’s Under-21 side when the forward’s message emerged.
Speaking after Portugal’s latest action, Jesus was asked about Ronaldo’s statement and the ongoing situation surrounding the Al Nassr captain and the national team.
I didn’t read Cristiano’s statement, I was watching Portugal U21 game,
Jesus said.
The Portugal boss added that he would have the opportunity to go through Ronaldo’s comments properly now that his attention had shifted away from the Under-21 fixture.
I will now have time to read it,
Jesus added.
Ronaldo’s statement has attracted significant attention after the Portugal captain addressed recent developments surrounding his future with the national team and his relationship with the new coaching setup.
Despite the situation, Jesus has previously made it clear that the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to Portugal duty. The manager is ready to recall the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the next international break, provided Ronaldo wants to return and continues playing at club level with Al Nassr.
The situation is therefore expected to become clearer in the coming weeks, with Ronaldo’s response and Jesus’ assessment likely to determine the next step.
For Portugal, Ronaldo remains one of the most important figures in the country’s football history, and his experience could still prove valuable as the team prepares for its upcoming challenges.
Jesus’ decision to read Ronaldo’s full statement before responding also suggests that the manager does not want to make a rushed judgment. The next international break could now provide an opportunity for both sides to move forward, should Ronaldo decide that he is ready to return to the national team.
