Jesus emphasizes equal rules as Ronaldo leaves the squad

Portugal beat Denmark on Thursday evening, aided by standouts Bruno Fernandes and Gonçalo Ramos. After the match, national team coach Jorge Jesus, who was quoted by EPA, spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo's absence and emphasized that the rules are the same for everyone, in the press conference.

Coach Jesus' reaction to the fans and the rules

Just like before the match, the Portuguese national coach Jorge Jesus wanted to say little about the matter. Earlier in the stands, Jesus was even booed by enthusiastic CR7‑fans, but he did not let it get to him. ‘Me, booed? I hardly noticed that,’ he said, emphasizing that he stands close to the supporters.

In the press conference, Jesus returned to the crisis surrounding the star player. ‘No, I have no regrets at all. There are players with a certain status, that is obvious. But the rules are the same for everyone,’ he declared. He said that he has thought about this throughout his entire career and will continue to do so.

Ronaldo's international period and departure

Ronaldo was still in the squad for the international period and played the first friendly match. In the second match against Norway, however, he remained on the bench for 90 minutes, which clearly frustrated the 41‑year‑old striker. After the game, he ran angrily into the tunnel.

Ronaldo issues statement after fallout with Portugal coach, faces possible suspension

After a good conversation with Jesus, Ronaldo seemed set to stay, but on Wednesday he took his private jet at 02:30 and left the Portuguese squad. He returned to his club Al‑Nassr, where he will play on Friday, 9 October at 20:00 against Al Diriyah. The situation surrounding the star player remains a topic of discussion.

Villarreal defender Renato Veiga refused to comment: ‘I am not allowed to say anything about it.’ Nuno Mendes also held back: ‘We are more focused on what the coach wants from us. It is not up to us to decide on this.’

Ronaldo apologises to the national team and reopens the door for Portugal

Portugal will play the final international match against Norway next Sunday at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, at 20:45. With Ronaldo absent, Jesus hopes that the entire stadium will be behind the team, just as it was for the victory over Denmark. A new top‑level performance is now being pursued.