Piers Morgan has criticised Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo, accusing the veteran manager of showing what he described as “shocking disrespect” towards the country’s captain.
Morgan claimed the disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus is linked to an alleged dispute over playing-time assurances given to the Al-Nassr forward during Portugal’s Nations League campaign.
The broadcaster compared Jesus to former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, whom Ronaldo famously criticised during an explosive interview with Morgan in 2022.
Speaking on Sports Uncensored, Morgan said Ronaldo agreed to continue his international career after receiving assurances about how he would be managed by Jesus, who previously worked with him in Saudi Arabia.
According to Morgan, the arrangement was that Ronaldo would feature in Portugal’s opening two Nations League matches before being rested for the following two games.
However, Morgan claimed Ronaldo expected to play the full 90 minutes in the opening fixture but was substituted after 67 minutes.
He said the decision initially appeared to have been addressed privately, with Jesus allegedly apologising to Ronaldo and promising to explain the situation publicly.
Morgan, however, claimed the Portugal manager subsequently made comments that had the opposite effect.
The broadcaster alleged that Jesus attempted to diminish Ronaldo’s importance by stressing that every player in the squad was equally important.
Morgan argued that the approach further frustrated Ronaldo and created similarities with the player’s previous dispute with Ten Hag at Manchester United.
The disagreement with Ten Hag became a major controversy in 2022 after Ronaldo told Morgan that he had lost respect for the Dutch manager. The interview contributed to the breakdown of Ronaldo’s relationship with Manchester United before the club and player eventually parted ways.
Morgan believes the latest situation involving Ronaldo and Jesus is not primarily about money, fame or status, but rather about trust and expectations surrounding the Portugal captain’s role.
Jesus, who has extensive experience managing in Portugal and Saudi Arabia, took charge of the national team with Ronaldo remaining one of the most prominent figures in the squad.
Ronaldo has continued to play a significant role for Portugal despite his advancing age, having helped the country win major international honours and remaining a key attacking option.
The claims made by Morgan add another layer to the ongoing discussion about Ronaldo’s relationship with Portugal’s coaching staff and how his role should be managed as the veteran forward approaches the later stages of his international career.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
