Cristiano Ronaldo has explained why he left the Portugal national team camp, accusing coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice and saying the dispute destroyed his trust in the manager.
The 41-year-old captain gave his version of events in a lengthy statement released on Tuesday, saying he wanted to recount “in the first person and directly” what happened during the team’s latest camp.
Ronaldo said he had initially planned to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup and had even prepared a farewell letter to the Portuguese people.
However, Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença persuaded him to continue with the national team.
Ronaldo said he also backed Jesus’ appointment as coach, describing it as the right choice.
He said Jesus later met him and presented a plan for his involvement with the national team, including playing the opening and final matches of the international window while being substituted regularly for physical management.
Ronaldo said he rejected an earlier suggestion that he skip the away trips to Norway and Denmark, insisting that remaining in Portugal while his teammates travelled would not set the right example for a captain.
He played against Wales before being substituted and handing the captain’s armband to Bruno Fernandes.
The situation changed during Portugal’s match against Norway.
According to Ronaldo, Jesus asked him if he was fit enough to play 30 minutes. Ronaldo said he accepted the request and prepared to enter the match.
He warmed up from half-time but was never introduced.
“The coach had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo later apologised for failing to greet supporters after the match, accepting responsibility for his reaction.
He then described a private meeting involving himself, Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho.
Ronaldo said they agreed that Jesus would explain the situation at his next press conference and that a list of points had been prepared and approved.
But Ronaldo claimed the coach did not follow through on the agreement.
“It was the second time that he was breaking the word he had given me,” he said.
Ronaldo said he consequently decided to leave the Portugal camp rather than wait for what he considered another breach of trust.
Jesus, however, has disputed Ronaldo’s account of the alleged agreement, leaving the details of their private discussions contested.
Despite the fallout, Ronaldo has made clear that he has not retired from international football.
He apologised to his teammates and Portuguese supporters and said he accepted that the Portuguese federation should punish him for leaving the camp without permission.
Ronaldo also rejected suggestions that his next appearance for Portugal should be limited to a farewell match.
“When I think about the national team, what I really think about is competing,” he said.
The forward added that he would remain available for selection after serving any punishment, provided he is physically fit and performing for his club.
His comments leave the possibility of a return open, although his relationship with Jesus is now under significant strain.
Portugal have continued their Nations League campaign without Ronaldo, beating Norway 2–0 on October 4 following his departure from the camp.
For Ronaldo, however, the dispute appears to be about more than playing time. His statement makes clear that he regarded the alleged broken agreements as a breach of trust — and that this, rather than a decision to retire, was the reason he walked away.
