Cristiano Ronaldo apparently did not appreciate finding himself on the wrong side of the starting XI.
After Portugal coach Jorge Jesus decided to bench Ronaldo, the legendary forward reportedly left the national team camp, followed by a statement that had all the subtlety of someone dramatically slamming a door on the way out.
Ronaldo made it clear that there were reasons for his departure, although those reasons will have to wait for another day—because naturally, the Portuguese public must first
endure the suspense. Below is the Instagram message posted by Ronaldo:
“After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the national team camp.
In due time, I WILL TELL THE TRUTH TO ALL PORTUGUESE PEOPLE ABOUT THE REASONS that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”
Even Ronaldo’s sister got into the act:
Jesus, however, did not appear particularly interested in participating in the discourse. The Portugal coach was asked about his decision and made it abundantly clear that Ronaldo being Ronaldo does not give him veto power over the lineup.
“I can promise whatever I want. I’m the coach, right? I’m the coach who told the player, ‘You weren’t going to play. I’ll put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, then you’ll play. If I don’t need you, then you won’t play.’ Cristiano isn’t going to, and no player will ever change my ideas as a coach. Never. Right? Not him, not anyone in football. Not him. Not anyone. Not any president. Never. Zero,” said Jesus (as captured by ESPN).
At 41, Ronaldo is nowhere near the same player he once was, but he probably could still offer something (maybe) to Portugal if he had a good attitude. After this drama, he might just be proving that he is no longer worth the trouble.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
