Jorge Jesus explains why he had not read Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement

Jorge Jesus says he had not yet read Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement about their dispute because he was attending Portugal Under-21s’ match against Czech Republic in Leiria.

The Portugal manager was speaking from his car after watching the European Under-21 Championship qualifier, which Portugal won 2-0.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement? I have not seen it yet,” Jesus said. “I was present at Portugal Under-21s’ match in Leiria, and now I have time to read it.”

Ronaldo issued the statement to explain what happened between him and Jesus, from before the manager’s appointment as Portugal boss through to the dispute that ended with the forward leaving the national team’s training camp.

Jesus was appointed to replace Roberto Martinez and has made an immediate impact, leading Portugal to four consecutive victories. That run secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, making them the first team to reach the last eight.

What happened between Jesus and Ronaldo?

Ronaldo was included in Jesus’ first squad for four Nations League matches.

He started the opening game against Wales but remained an unused substitute for the second match against Norway. Jesus subsequently said the circumstances of the game had prevented Ronaldo from taking part.

The situation escalated after the president of the Portuguese Football Federation held an urgent meeting with both Ronaldo and Jesus. Following that meeting, Ronaldo left the national team camp.

Rafael Leao wore the number seven shirt in Ronaldo’s place in the next match against Denmark. Government intervention followed, but the dispute remained unresolved.

Portugal ended the opening four rounds with a perfect record and secured qualification for the quarter-finals before playing the remaining two matches.