Ronaldo apologizes for Portugal walkout; says Jesus broke promise

What the report says

Cristiano Ronaldo has apologized for leaving Portugal’s national team camp, while also giving his version of a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over his role in the squad. In a statement published on social media and reported by Reuters through Al Jazeera, the 41-year-old forward said he walked out after believing Jesus had changed an earlier understanding about whether he would play in Portugal’s matches against Norway and Denmark during the international break.

Ronaldo said the coach had initially agreed he would sit out both games to manage his fitness, but later told him he would be used for part of the Norway match. He said he was left warming up without being introduced and felt Jesus had broken his word. Ronaldo added that a later meeting, attended by a club official from Al Nassr, was supposed to lead to a public explanation from the coach, though Jesus later denied that any such agreement existed.

The Portugal captain said he regretted not greeting supporters after the Norway match and accepted that his behavior deserved punishment from the Portuguese Football Federation. He also said his departure should not be read as a final break from international football, saying he would remain available for Portugal if he is physically fit and once any sanction is served.

The episode matters because Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most prominent player and all-time leading scorer, and any strain between him and the national coach could affect the team’s plans going forward.