Cristiano Ronaldo does not do small statements. After a week of silence following his walkout from Portugal’s camp, the 41-year-old posted a five-page letter on Tuesday, October 6. He accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice, and promised Portuguese fans at least one farewell match.
How the Row Started
The trouble began in Oslo on September 27. Ronaldo says Jesus told him on match day that he would play 30 minutes against Norway. He warmed up in the second half but never came on, and Portugal won 2-1. Jesus later said the way the game was going made him change his mind.
The Two Broken Promises
Ronaldo says a meeting days later produced a simple deal. Jesus would open his next press conference by admitting that Ronaldo never demanded minutes, that the camp plan was the coach’s own idea, and that warming him up without playing him was a mistake.
Instead, Jesus said no agreement existed and that the door was open for a return. “It was the second time he had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo wrote. He chose to leave camp rather than wait for a third.
One or More Farewell Matches
Then came the line fans will repeat. Ronaldo said he has heard plenty about the federation wanting to give him a farewell, but he promised Portugal would play one or more such matches, and that there will be time for that.
He is not retiring from international football. He said he will be available again after serving any suspension, provided he is fit and scoring for his club. He also apologised to his teammates and said the federation should decide how to punish him.
What About the Ultimatum?
This is where the story gets messy. ESPN earlier reported, citing sources, that Ronaldo would not play for Portugal while Jesus remains coach. That is a report, not a confirmed fact. Yahoo Sports points out that nowhere in his statement does Ronaldo say it. Until he says it himself, treat the ultimatum as a rumour.
Portugal Are Winning Without Him
The team has not stalled. Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 without Ronaldo, then beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday through Gonçalo Ramos’s 79th-minute winner. That result made them the first team into the Nations League quarter-finals.
What Happens Next?
The federation president called the row a misunderstanding and said Ronaldo will always be part of the squad when he is fit to play. Jesus said the door remains open. Portugal’s next matches are against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, and Ronaldo is back with Al-Nassr.
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