Arturo Vidal criticises Jorge Jesus over Cristiano Ronaldo exit: ‘He can do what he wants’

Arturo Vidal has criticised the handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal camp, saying the captain deserved greater respect from manager Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo left the national team’s camp before Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Denmark in the competition’s third round. Portugal went on to win the match 4-2.

Vidal, the 39-year-old Colo-Colo midfielder, said he was deeply unhappy with the way the situation had unfolded and described Ronaldo’s departure as unacceptable given his importance to Portuguese football.

“This is honestly shameful,” Vidal told Portuguese newspaper A Bola on Friday. “A player like Cristiano, who is one of the four best players in the history of football, with everyone placing him first, second or third, leaves the national team in this way.

“It is extremely bad.”

Vidal also questioned the way Jesus had dealt with the situation, arguing that Ronaldo should have been treated in line with his status and contribution to Portugal.

“I think the coach came across very badly,” said Vidal, who has previously played for Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan.

“Cristiano must be looked after and protected. He is a player who has given everything to Portugal and helped make the national team one of the best in the world.”

Vidal insisted that a player of Ronaldo’s standing should not have been allowed to leave under those circumstances.

“A player like that cannot leave in this way,” he added. “Cristiano has the right to do what he wants. What he has done for football and for the Portuguese national team is take both to another level.

“There are coaches who do not respect these things.”

The comments come as the dispute surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal camp continues to attract attention. Efforts are being made to contain the situation and restore the relationship between the captain and the coaching staff to its normal course.