Ronaldo accuses coach of breaking his word and offers his return

The 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo has released a lengthy statement in which he accuses the Portuguese national team coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word and at the same time emphasizes that he remains available for the Portuguese national team. In the letter Ronaldo apologised for leaving the training camp, but said that he did not want to remain part of the team as long as the trust between him and the coach was lacking.

Conflict over the training camp

Ronaldo explained that he left the camp because he no longer wanted to wait for another broken promise. He wrote: “For me, truth remains the most important thing in the relationship between people.” The superstar emphasized that he alone bears responsibility for his actions and that his staying would have only harmed the team.

The coach Jorge Jesus, 72 years old, had previously asked Ronaldo for a 30‑minute appearance, which did not happen. After a clarifying conversation with Jesus and sporting director Simão Coutinho, the problem was described as a misunderstanding that is easy to resolve, Jesus said. He stressed that Ronaldo is a candidate for the squad at the next call‑up – provided he is playing for Al‑Nassr.

Ronaldo’s Future Promise

Ronaldo anticipated a possible sanction from the Portuguese Football Association, but stated that after the expiry of any suspension he would be ready to play for the national team again, provided he is physically fit and scores goals for his club. He wrote: “If I am fit and playing for my club – and hopefully scoring goals – I will be available after the expiry of any imposed suspension.”

Ronaldo asks Jorge Jesus to read a text comparing him to Pelé and Maradona

In the statement Ronaldo mentioned that after the 2026 World Cup he had already considered retirement, but the president of the association had asked him to reconsider his decision. Ronaldo also said that he had conveyed his view on coach Jesus to the association and that, in his opinion, this was the right choice.

The superstar recalled his last international match, a 1‑0 win against Wales, and that he sat on the bench in the following game against Norway and was not used. He saw leaving the camp as a consequence because he felt he was no longer useful.

Ronaldo concluded his statement with an apology to the Portuguese fans and to all whom he had disappointed, and emphasized that as long as he is fit and scores goals, he will fight for Portugal again after any possible suspension.