Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has declined to make further comments on his reported dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo after reading the forward’s detailed public statement about what led to his departure from the national team camp.
Jesus spoke to journalists on Wednesday morning as he left his home for the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation.
Asked about Ronaldo’s statement, the Portugal coach confirmed that he had read the account but said he preferred to focus on his responsibilities with the national team.
“I read the statement and now, like I do every day, I’m going to the Federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team,” Jesus said, according to a post by journalist Fabrizio Romano on X.
I have nothing more to say.
Ronaldo released a lengthy statement on Tuesday outlining his version of events surrounding his departure from Portugal’s training camp during the recent international window.
The 41-year-old forward accused Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions.
According to Ronaldo, the first disagreement occurred during Portugal’s match against Norway. He said Jesus had indicated that he would be introduced for around 30 minutes, and Ronaldo warmed up at half-time in preparation to enter the game.
However, the coach ultimately did not bring him onto the pitch.
Ronaldo described the incident as a breach of an agreement between them.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward also alleged that a second promise was broken following a subsequent meeting involving Jesus and representatives of his club.
Ronaldo said they had agreed on points that Jesus would clarify during his next press conference, but he claimed the final comments made by the coach did not reflect what had previously been agreed.
He subsequently decided to leave the Portugal camp.
Ronaldo apologised for not greeting supporters after the match and also said he would accept any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.
Jesus has previously played down suggestions of a lasting breakdown in his relationship with Ronaldo and maintained that the veteran forward remains eligible for future selection.
His latest response suggests he does not intend to engage publicly in a prolonged exchange over Ronaldo’s account.
Instead, Jesus said his immediate priority was continuing preparations with the Portuguese national team.
The dispute comes as Portugal continues its preparations for upcoming international commitments, with Ronaldo’s future involvement in the national team remaining a subject of attention following the latest disagreement.
For now, Jesus has made his position clear: having read Ronaldo’s statement, he does not believe there is anything further he needs to say publicly about the matter.
