Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence over his fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, insisting he has no intention of retiring from international football.
The Portugal captain said he remains committed to his country and will return after serving his suspension if he is fit, declaring, “If I’m fit, after my suspension, I’ll be available, as always, to compete and win for Portugal. This is the absolute truth.”
Ronaldo revealed that he backed Jesus for the Portugal job and was assured he remained a key part of the coach’s plans before their relationship later broke down.
He said the disagreement worsened after Portugal’s victory over Norway when he was asked to warm up but was never introduced into the match, accusing the coach of breaking his word.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted he made a mistake by failing to greet supporters after the game, saying, “Not greeting the fans afterwards was my fault, and I apologise.”
However, Ronaldo claimed Jesus failed to honour an agreement on how the incident would be explained publicly, adding, “He had broken his word… It was the second time he broke his word.”
He also apologised to his teammates for leaving the national team camp and accepted responsibility, saying the Portuguese Football Federation should punish him without any special treatment.
Ronaldo dismissed reports that he would refuse to play under Jesus, insisting his focus remains on helping Portugal succeed whenever he is called upon.
Rejecting suggestions that his next appearance could be a farewell, Ronaldo declared, “The national team, for me, means competing,” stressing that he still has the desire to fight for his country.
The statement shifts attention away from retirement rumours and makes Ronaldo’s position clear: “I don’t want a farewell,” but a return to continue competing and winning with Portugal.