Jorge Jesus refuses to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo before Portugal face Norway

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus repeatedly declined to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo at a tense news conference before the Nations League meeting with Norway, eventually prompting the head of the national team’s media centre to intervene.

Ronaldo, the Al Nassr forward, left Portugal’s training camp angrily, with the issue continuing to attract international attention. According to AS, Jesus attempted to play down the situation but faced repeated questions about the player from almost 50 journalists at the briefing.

“I will not say anything,” Jesus said. “Ronaldo is a symbol of the Portugal national team. Let that be absolutely clear. After the Norway match, we will have an opportunity to talk about this matter.”

He insisted that the focus should remain on Portugal’s next fixture and their objective of securing victory in front of their home supporters.

“The important thing is the match, the Norway match,” Jesus added. “That is the game we have to play well in front of our fans, and our aim is to win. Do not allow me to overlook this matter.”

The subject of Ronaldo was raised from the start of the news conference, despite Jesus’ attempts to steer the discussion towards the team and their opponents.

“I will concentrate on what I have said, on the team and the opponent,” he said. “Norway are one of the top five national teams in Europe and have outstanding players.

“We have to focus on that, and that is precisely the issue at the moment. Afterwards, we will have an opportunity to analyse what might happen here. We have to think about the group standings tomorrow.”

Following Ronaldo’s decision to leave the camp, the Portuguese public wanted to thank the player for what he has contributed over almost three decades.

Jesus was asked what kind of reception he expected to receive before the Norway game, but said the attention should be directed towards the national team rather than himself.

“The affection I seek and like to receive does not go beyond what the national team represents,” he said. “The affection is for the team and the players, not for me.

“I am part of a team; I am a team manager. It is all about the support the fans give to the national team. I care about my country and my country’s flag.”

When he was asked a fourth question on the same subject, Jesus’ patience appeared to run out.

“Speaking to Cristiano on the phone?” he said. “I do not want to have anything to do with anything that is unrelated to the national team.”

The head of Portugal’s media centre then ended the line of questioning, saying: “Jesus has already said that, regarding the Cristiano issue, he will speak about it after tomorrow’s match.”