Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a statement criticizing Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and confirming he wants to continue playing for the national team, according to De Telegraaf. The Dutch outlet reports that Ronaldo said Jesus failed to keep promises made to him. Ronaldo also expressed regret over his departure, according to NU.
The dispute became public after Ronaldo broke his silence on the matter. AD.nl reports that Ronaldo said it was the second time Jesus had gone back on his word. Despite the conflict with the coach, Ronaldo has made himself available for Portugal, NOS reports. Voetbal International also reported that Ronaldo will carry on with the Portuguese squad.
The statements mark a shift from Ronaldo's earlier exit, which he now says he regrets, according to NU. De Telegraaf's headline frames the episode as Ronaldo hitting out in his statement while still committing to the national team. The reports do not specify what promises were allegedly broken, and none of the outlets cited provide further detail on the timing or nature of the dispute.
Ronaldo's position with Portugal now rests on how the federation and the coaching staff respond to his public criticism. What happens next depends on whether Jesus addresses the claim and whether Ronaldo is included in the next national team squad.
