Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has refused to comment further on his reported dispute with Cristiano Ronaldo after confirming that he had read the forward’s detailed public statement.
Jesus was approached by journalists on Wednesday morning as he left his home for the Portuguese Football Federation headquarters.
The coach acknowledged that he had read Ronaldo’s account of the disagreement but said he had no intention of discussing the matter publicly.
“I read the statement and now, like I do every day, I’m going to the Federation headquarters to work, to think about the Portuguese national team,” Jesus said.
“I have nothing more to say.”
Ronaldo, 41, released a lengthy statement on Tuesday explaining his decision to leave Portugal’s camp during the recent international window.
The veteran forward accused Jesus of breaking promises on two occasions. He claimed the coach failed to bring him on against Norway after asking him to warm up, and later failed to deliver talking points that had reportedly been agreed ahead of a press conference.
The dispute has sparked fresh questions about Ronaldo’s relationship with the Portugal coaching staff as the veteran continues to navigate the final stage of his international career.
Jesus had previously insisted that there was no lasting breakdown between himself and Ronaldo and maintained that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remained available for future selection.
The coach’s latest comments suggest he now wants to move past the public disagreement and focus on his responsibilities with the national team.
Ronaldo’s future with Portugal remains a major talking point, particularly as uncertainty continues over how and when the legendary forward will bring his international career to an end.
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