Portuguese national team manager Jorge Jesus categorically denied claims that Cristiano Ronaldo refused to participate in training, despite confirmation from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) that the forward missed the squad’s final practice session ahead of their Nations League clash with Denmark on Wednesday.
Reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggested the 41-year-old was preparing to board a private flight to Madrid, while Portuguese newspaper A Bola released video footage appearing to show Ronaldo departing Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium in an FPF vehicle shortly after Jesus had confirmed the player would attend the session.
The incident follows Ronaldo’s decision to sit out Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. Although Jesus initially indicated he would come on as a substitute, he ultimately kept him on the bench. Subsequently, Ronaldo trained separately in the gym on Monday and Tuesday rather than joining the group, a move Jesus confirmed was not due to injury.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Jesus urged reporters not to manufacture controversy. “He didn’t refuse. He’s going to train today,” Jesus said. “It’s the fourth day, so he’s going to train. And he didn’t refuse to train. It’s impossible. Do you believe that? Not Cris.”
Jesus acknowledged speaking with Ronaldo regarding the situation but stated the issue was unfounded. “They forced me to talk to Cris about an issue that didn’t exist. There was nothing to talk about,” he explained. The coach revealed Ronaldo’s response: “I’m here for you to decide. If you want me to play, I’ll play. If you want me to go to the stands, I’ll go.”
In response to the growing narrative, FPF President Pedro Proenca altered his schedule on Tuesday to travel to Copenhagen. According to A Bola, Proenca intended to meet with both Jesus and Ronaldo prior to Thursday’s match.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals and their most-capped player with 234 appearances. Last week, he expressed frustration with media coverage, stating that journalists had been trying to “kill” him for years and that he could leave the squad immediately if his manager desired.
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