Postecoglou declines to comment on Ronaldo’s Portugal dispute

Ange Postecoglou has refused to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo’s dispute with the Portugal national team, saying the Al Nassr captain returned to the club in good physical and mental condition.

Ronaldo issued an official statement explaining why he had left the Portugal camp, but Postecoglou said he would not comment on events involving the national side.

“Ronaldo came back in good condition and is ready both mentally and physically. That is the most important thing for us,” Al Nassr manager Postecoglou told reporters.

He added: “As for the Portugal national team and what happened there, I have previously worked as a national-team manager and I hated it when club managers commented on what was happening within the national team.

“Therefore, I will not talk about the matter.”

Al Nassr are preparing to face Al-Diriyah on Friday in the eighth round of the Saudi Pro League.

What happened with Portugal?

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

He started Portugal’s opening game against Wales, but did not play in the second match against Norway, remaining on the bench for the entire game.

Jesus subsequently said the course of the match had led to Ronaldo not being used.

After the president of the Portuguese Football Federation held an urgent meeting with Ronaldo and Jesus, the Portugal captain left the national-team camp.

Rafael Leao wore the number seven shirt previously worn by Ronaldo in the following match against Denmark. Despite government intervention, the dispute remained unresolved.

Portugal won all of their first four matches, collecting the maximum number of points and securing qualification for the quarter-finals before playing their remaining two games.