Report links Ronaldo’s Portugal departure to alleged dispute with coach Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly left Portugal’s training camp after feeling “betrayed” by coach Jorge Jesus, Spanish sports journalist Edu Aguirre said on the football programme El Chiringuito de Jugones. Ronaldo’s departure had prompted speculation about his relationship with the national team after reports that he had warmed up for about 30 minutes without being brought into a recent match. Aguirre said Jesus subsequently met Ronaldo privately and apologised for the decision.

According to Aguirre, the coach promised to acknowledge publicly that he had made a mistake. He said Ronaldo became angry after Jesus later made comments at a press conference that allegedly contradicted what had been discussed in private. Aguirre characterised the reported change in position as a betrayal.

He said Ronaldo had expected the coach to explain publicly that the decision to leave him out had been mishandled, rather than present him as simply another player under the manager’s authority. Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, also criticised Portugal following the captain’s departure from camp. Jesus has denied reports of a rift with Ronaldo amid the speculation.

The account presented by Aguirre has not been independently verified. The reported dispute has nevertheless intensified questions about Ronaldo’s relationship with the Portugal team and the circumstances surrounding his departure.