Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal camp after feeling ‘betrayed’ by Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp on Wednesday after feeling betrayed by head coach Jorge Jesus, according to Spanish journalist and close friend Edu Aguirre.

Ronaldo’s departure came hours after Jesus said there was no problem between him and the Portugal captain. The disagreement followed Ronaldo’s omission from the starting line-up for the 2-1 victory over Norway, when he remained on the bench throughout the match.

The Al Nassr forward was unhappy after being used as a substitute and refused to take part in training following the game. He later held talks with Jesus and it appeared the issue had been resolved.

However, Jesus then told a news conference before the match against Denmark that no player would change his thinking, and that no other person in football would do so either. Those comments led Ronaldo to leave the Portugal camp.

Speaking on the programme El Chiringuito, Aguirre said Jesus had betrayed Ronaldo after privately apologising to him and promising to acknowledge his mistake publicly at Wednesday’s news conference.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Aguirre said: “A meeting was held on Tuesday night between the president of the federation, the coach and Cristiano. Jesus apologised to Cristiano for ignoring him by making him warm up for 30 minutes against Norway without bringing him on.

“He did not stop at apologising in private. He also promised to apologise publicly and admit his mistake in front of everyone.”

Aguirre said Ronaldo’s anger was caused by the contrast between that private conversation and Jesus’ public comments.

“That was Jesus’ promise to Cristiano,” he added. “Then he went to the news conference and told a series of lies that nobody believed. That is why Cristiano exploded with anger, because he felt betrayed. There is no other explanation.”

The journalist then described how he believed the exchange had unfolded.

“Simply put, your coach comes to you in private and says: ‘Look, this is how it was. You understand me, right? I did not handle the situation well. We are in this together. I am sorry. If there is a news conference, I will explain everything. I will apologise. Do not worry, everything will be fine and everything will be resolved.’

“Then, 12 hours later, you go to the news conference and leave Cristiano as he is. Worse still, you behave harshly and say that you are in charge and Cristiano is just another player. Go home and move on. That is why I say it was a betrayal.”