Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has declined to make further comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s public account of the dispute that led to the forward leaving the national team camp during the recent international window.
Jesus was approached by journalists on Wednesday morning as he left his home for the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation, where he confirmed that he had read Ronaldo’s statement.
According to a post by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Jesus said he had seen the 41-year-old forward’s lengthy explanation but would not respond to the details.
“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. I have nothing more to say.”
Ronaldo released his statement on Tuesday, giving his version of events surrounding his departure from Portugal’s camp.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner accused Jesus of breaking his word twice during the dispute.
Ronaldo said the first incident occurred before Portugal’s match against Norway, when he agreed to play for 30 minutes, warmed up but was ultimately not introduced.
He also claimed that he later reached an agreement with Jesus and Portugal officials over what would be said publicly about the incident, but alleged that the coach did not follow through on the agreed explanation during a subsequent press conference.
Jesus had previously maintained that there was no lasting rift between himself and Ronaldo and indicated that the striker remained eligible for future selection.
The latest exchange comes after the disagreement became public during the international break, with Ronaldo’s statement providing his most detailed explanation of why he left the national team camp.
Jesus has now chosen not to engage further with the claims, instead saying his focus is on his responsibilities with the Portuguese national team.
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