Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has refused to make further comments on his public dispute with captain Cristiano Ronaldo after reading the forward’s statement detailing his version of the controversy.
Jesus was approached by journalists on Wednesday morning as he left his home for the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation, where he confirmed that he had read Ronaldo’s lengthy statement.
According to a post by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Jesus said he had nothing further to add to the matter and would instead focus on his responsibilities with the national team.
“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, issued the statement on Tuesday, outlining his account of the events that led to his departure from the Portugal camp during the recent international window.
The veteran forward accused Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions.
According to Ronaldo, the first incident occurred when Jesus asked him to warm up ahead of Portugal’s match against Norway but did not bring him on as a substitute.
Ronaldo also alleged that Jesus failed to deliver agreed talking points during a subsequent press conference, which he said amounted to a second breach of their understanding.
The dispute had generated speculation about the relationship between the coach and Portugal’s captain and whether it could affect Ronaldo’s future involvement with the national team.
Jesus had previously sought to play down the disagreement, insisting that there was no lasting rift between the pair and that Ronaldo remained eligible for future selection.
Late on Tuesday, before Ronaldo’s statement became public, Jesus said he had not read the forward’s account of the dispute, explaining that he had been watching Portugal’s Under-21 side.
His latest comments suggest he does not intend to prolong the public disagreement, with the coach instead turning his attention to preparations for the Portuguese national team.
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