Ronaldo keeps international future open despite dispute with Jorge Jesus

In a lengthy statement, the 41-year-old detailed his account of the dispute that prompted him to leave Copenhagen before last week’s Nations League match against Denmark. He also apologised for aspects of his conduct and insisted he remained available to represent Portugal after serving any punishment.

Ronaldo said he and Jesus had initially agreed that he would miss the matches against Norway and Denmark to manage his fitness. According to the forward, however, the coach changed that plan on the day of the Norway fixture and told him he would play for 30 minutes.

“Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time, watched the minutes pass and was not called on,” Ronaldo said. “The manager broke his promise to me.”

Portugal’s captain and record goalscorer said a subsequent meeting with Jesus, attended by Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho, produced an agreement that the coach would clarify the situation at his next press conference.

According to Ronaldo, an eight-point document was prepared stating that he had never demanded to play, had respected Jesus’ decisions and that asking him to warm up without bringing him on had been a mistake.

Ronaldo said the agreement did not require Jesus to apologise. 

He nevertheless maintained that the coach’s public comments bore no resemblance to their private discussion.

“This was the second time he had broken his promise to me,” Ronaldo said. “I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any more empty promises.”

His statement presents his version of events. Speaking on Sunday after Portugal’s subsequent victory over Norway, Jesus denied reaching any agreement with Ronaldo, although he left the door open for the forward to return.

The Portuguese Football Federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Ronaldo’s statement.

Ronaldo apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the earlier Norway match and for leaving his teammates, accepting that his responsibilities as captain made his actions more serious.

“The Portuguese Football Federation must examine and sanction the consequences of my actions,” he said.

Despite the dispute, Ronaldo made clear that his international ambitions extend beyond a farewell appearance.

“If I am fit and playing for my club — scoring goals, I hope — after serving my punishment, I will be available, as always, to play and win for the national team,” he added.

The statement leaves his Portugal career open while acknowledging the possibility of disciplinary action. Whether he returns will depend on how the federation handles his departure and whether player and coach can resolve their differing accounts of the dispute.