Ronaldo statement: I haven’t read it yet, says Jorge Jesus
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlinePortugal coach Jorge Jesus has said he had not yet read Cristiano Ronaldo’s public statement on their recent disagreement, explaining that his attention was on the country’s Under-21 team.
Jesus made the comment late Tuesday, hours after Ronaldo published a detailed account of the events that preceded his departure from Portugal’s national-team camp.
In a post by football expert Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, Jesus was quoted as saying: “I didn’t read Cristiano’s statement, I was watching Portugal U21 game,” Jesus told reporters. “I will now have time to read it.”
Ronaldo, 41, had earlier released a first-person statement explaining why he left the national-team camp last week.
The Al Nassr forward accused Jesus of going back on his word on two occasions during the international window.
According to Ronaldo, the first issue arose after Jesus allegedly promised him about 30 minutes of playing time against Norway in the UEFA Nations League, only for him to remain on the bench despite completing an extended warm-up.
Ronaldo also claimed that Jesus failed to make agreed public clarifications during a subsequent press conference.
The forward said the two had previously discussed how his playing time would be managed across the international window.
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He further claimed that a private meeting involving officials of the Portuguese Football Federation produced points that Jesus was expected to address publicly, but said the coach’s subsequent comments did not reflect what had been agreed.
Ronaldo apologised to his teammates and supporters over the manner of his departure and acknowledged that he could face disciplinary action.
He nevertheless left open the possibility of returning to the national team.
Jesus, who took charge of Portugal after the 2026 World Cup and previously coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, has maintained that there was no fundamental crisis between them.
The veteran coach has also insisted that the team’s rules apply equally to all players.
Portugal remain unbeaten under Jesus in Nations League matches this autumn.
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