Cristiano Ronaldo denies international retirement but accuses coach Jorge Jesus of broken promises

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will not retire from international football despite a public fallout with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, whom he accused of an absolute breach of trust.

In a lengthy statement reaching nearly 2,000 words, the 41-year-old captain detailed a dispute that led him to walk out on the Portugal squad during last week's Nations League camp. According to BBC Sport, Ronaldo claimed Jesus twice broke his word, first by failing to bring him on as a substitute against Norway after promising him 30 minutes of play, and later by failing to adhere to an agreed public explanation for his absence.

The Al-Nassr forward explained that a plan had initially been established to manage his fitness during matches against Norway and Denmark. However, Ronaldo said he spent the Norway game warming up from half-time only to watch the minutes tick by without being called on. The Guardian reported that a subsequent meeting, attended by Al-Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho, resulted in an eight-point document intended to clarify the situation to the media, but Ronaldo alleged the coach's public remarks did not reflect their private discussion.

While Jorge Jesus recently denied there was a rift and stated the door remains open for the captain, Ronaldo insisted the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) must punish him for his actions. "I believe the punishment should not be reduced," Ronaldo stated, while also apologizing to his teammates and supporters for leaving the camp. He remains the world record holder with 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.

World Soccer Talk noted that Ronaldo had previously considered retiring after the 2026 World Cup but was persuaded to stay by FPF president Pedro Proença. Despite the current impasse, the veteran striker maintained that he will remain available to compete for the national team once any potential suspension period ends, provided he remains physically fit and continues scoring goals at the club level.

Background

The dispute follows Ronaldo being an unused substitute during a match against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark, prompting his departure from the team camp in Copenhagen last week.