Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has spoken about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, recalling celebrations the two shared and saying he would like the nation's support, according to A Bola. The comments came after Portugal beat Denmark without Ronaldo in the side.
According to A Bola, Jesus said he wished the country were with him. He also addressed whether he regrets remarks he made about Ronaldo's status, telling SAPO that his answer was no, with zero regret.
The coach's remarks follow a period of reported friction between the two. In quotes published by ge, Jesus was asked about that tension and responded with lines including "No time mando eu" and "Prometo o que quiser." He also said, per A Bola, that what happened had not divided the squad and would not do so.
RTP reported that Portugal's win over Denmark came with Ronaldo absent, and that Jesus praised a group that believes in the coach's idea.
The episode has drawn attention in Portugal because it involves the national team's most prominent player and its coach. Jesus has chosen to address the matter directly rather than let it pass, framing the squad as united while acknowledging the public would like to see him supported.
What to watch next is whether Jesus and Ronaldo address the situation further, and how Portugal's results with and without Ronaldo shape the debate around the team.
