Ronaldo must be treated like any other Portugal player, says Vingada

Former Portugal manager Nelo Vingada says Cristiano Ronaldo should not receive special treatment, but believes both the captain and Jorge Jesus were responsible for the dispute that overshadowed Portugal’s Nations League campaign.

Ronaldo caused major controversy in Portugal after leaving the national-team camp last Wednesday before the match against Denmark. He was reportedly unhappy at not playing against Norway and at Jesus’ declaration that he had “the first and last word” on team selection.

Jesus had told Ronaldo he would play for 25 or 30 minutes against Norway. Ronaldo warmed up for about half an hour during the second half but was not brought on, and the manager did not speak to him.

“I believe both sides are responsible when a crisis reaches this level,” Vingada told Koora in an exclusive interview. “Something went wrong.”

He added: “It is difficult, and not advisable, for a manager to make such promises because nobody knows what may happen during a match.”

Vingada, 73, also criticised Ronaldo’s reaction after leaving the pitch angrily. “It was certain that a major problem would occur,” he said. “Both men took steps that led to the confrontation, considering the positions they hold.”

‘No exceptions for Ronaldo’

Vingada, who managed Portugal for six months in 1993, said Ronaldo’s status did not justify allowing him privileges unavailable to other players.

“As a player and captain, Ronaldo carries greater responsibilities, but ultimately he must be treated like everyone else,” he said. “Of course, he deserves not special treatment, but a different relationship because of his standing and everything he has given.”

Responding to former Chile international Arturo Vidal’s claim that Ronaldo had the right to do whatever he wanted, Vingada said: “That is the opinion of someone who also wanted special privileges when he was a player.”

He added that leading players should set an example and said Vidal had not offered a good analysis of the situation.

Regarding reports that Jesus had considered publicly apologising, Vingada said the two men could have avoided the crisis by speaking privately immediately afterwards.

He said Ronaldo now plays differently from before, with greater experience but less speed, meaning Portugal must find the best way to use him. Vingada also said a manager’s communication with a player should remain private rather than be explained through the media.

“Jesus said he had spoken to Ronaldo and that Ronaldo accepted his view,” he said. “But during the match, the manager did not follow what had been agreed.”

Comparison with Messi and Salah

Vingada said Lionel Messi’s quieter personality and limited social-media presence helped him avoid many of the problems surrounding Ronaldo. He believes Messi and those around him arranged a fitting Argentina farewell, and that even if Ronaldo’s situation improves, his departure will not reach the same level.

He also compared Ronaldo’s dispute with Jesus to Mohamed Salah’s disagreement with Egypt manager Hossam Hassan. Salah left camp after being substituted after 60 minutes in the match against Angola, while reports also linked the dispute to Hassan’s comments about injured goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

Although Hassan said Salah would return for the friendly against South Africa and would miss South Sudan to avoid playing on artificial turf, the Trabzonspor player travelled to Turkey to train with his club, reinforcing reports of a disagreement.

“I hope everyone learns from what happened in Portugal and that it does not happen elsewhere,” Vingada said. “Football and these exceptional players should always be remembered for everything they achieved on the pitch.”