Why Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to quit Portugal after rift
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41‑year‑old Portugal captain, has issued a lengthy statement saying he is not retiring from international football, apologising for walking out of the Nations League camp and demanding that the Portuguese Football Federation punish him after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. He highlighted his record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal as he looks ahead.
Ronaldo's statement and apology
In a social‑media post running to nearly 2,000 words, Ronaldo said he should be held accountable for his actions and that any punishment should not be reduced. He reiterated that he has already apologised and knows “actions have consequences”. The forward also confirmed he remains available for selection, provided he stays physically fit.
The dispute with Jorge Jesus
Ronaldo claimed Jesus had agreed a plan for him to miss the away fixtures against Norway and Denmark, then told him on the morning of the Norway game that he would play for only half an hour. “I warmed up from half‑time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on,” Ronaldo said, accusing the coach of “breaking his word”. Jesus later said there was no rift and that the door remains open for the captain.
Career highlights and records
Ronaldo’s international résumé includes Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles, plus a hat‑trick against Spain at the 2018 World Cup and a late free‑kick that rescued Portugal from a Round‑of‑16 exit. At club level he lifted five Champions League trophies, scored 15 goals in a Premier League season – the oldest player to reach that mark – and netted 101 goals for Juventus, winning two Serie A titles and a golden boot.
Ronaldo apologises to the national team and reopens the door for Portugal
He is the only player to finish as top scorer in Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League, and his 146 goals for Portugal remain a world record. After leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, he embarked on an eight‑year “goodbye tour” that has taken him to Juventus, Manchester United and now Al‑Nassr.
There is no doubt the dispute has divided fans, but Ronaldo insists his love for the national side endures. He said that after his suspension period ends, he will be available, as he always has been, to compete and win with Portugal.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of breaking his word, stresses wish to return
After his apology, Ronaldo added that he will continue to train with his club and hopes to add more goals for his country, keeping his international future open despite the controversy.