Ronaldo Row: His Mother Speaks Out

The criticism of recent days surrounding Portugal's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has also deeply affected his mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro. "It was a shock. My son could have left through the main door, but instead, he left through the back door," said the 71-year-old in an interview with the Portuguese magazine "TV 7 Dias".

"I Cried a Little Bit"

After the 41-year-old football star's departure from the team camp in Denmark, his mother spoke with him on the phone. "Mom, don't worry. I will tell the truth when we are all together," Ronaldo reportedly told his mother.

"I told him to stay calm, but well, his head made him do it," Dolores recounted, referring to Ronaldo's subsequent actions. She emphasized, however: "He has given Portugal so much, therefore he is always present. He has always been Portugal's hero."

Mother Criticizes Treatment of Her Son

The 41-year-old's mother emphasized again that, in her opinion, Ronaldo is not sufficiently appreciated. "They don't appreciate him as they should," Dolores stated.

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly broke his word twice. Firstly, regarding Ronaldo's playing time, and secondly, with statements made at a press conference.

After Ronaldo was not played against Norway, a clear approach was reportedly agreed upon for the subsequent press conference.

However, Jesus's statements caused discontent with the Portuguese captain. Consequently, Ronaldo left the training camp. Ronaldo himself spoke of an "absolute breach of trust".