Ronaldo ready to be punished but says Jesus 'broke his word' — SkimNews
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- Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's Nations League camp last week after being an unused substitute against Norway and then learning he would not start against Denmark, despite an agreement to manage his fitness.
- Ronaldo accused coach Jorge Jesus of an 'absolute breach of trust,' saying Jesus first broke his word by telling him he would play 30 minutes against Norway then leaving him on the bench after warming up from half-time.
- Ronaldo said Jesus broke his word a second time when his public press conference remarks did not reflect their private meeting, despite an eight-point document being prepared to clarify matters.
- Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances — both world records — and 979 total career goals across Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr as he chases the 1,000-goal mark.
- Portugal won both matches (against Norway and Denmark) without Ronaldo in the side and are back in action in November for final Nations League group games against Denmark and Wales.
- Ronaldo apologized to teammates and Portuguese supporters, said the blame is 'mine alone,' but asked not to have any punishment reduced and said he wants to return after any suspension ends.
- Ronaldo had considered retiring after Portugal's last-16 exit at this summer's World Cup but was urged to reconsider by FPF president Pedro Proença on the flight home from the United States.
Why it matters: At 41, Ronaldo is betting the Portuguese Football Federation won't ban him outright — yet Jesus, who he accuses of twice breaking his word, still picks the squad. Portugal just won both Nations League matches without him, giving Jesus leverage when he next selects the starting lineup.
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