Jorge Jesus Reacts to Ronaldo's Accusations

Portugal's head coach responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's 1,740-word statement with just three sentences.

"I have read the statement. Now I am going, like every day, to the federation to work and think about the team and the Portuguese national team. I have nothing more to say about it," Jorge Jesus responded matter-of-factly to questions from journalists, according to the Portuguese newspaper "Record".

When asked about the statement a day earlier, the coach had said: "I was in Leiria and watched the Portuguese U21 match, and now I will read Cristiano's message. I have nothing to say."

Ronaldo Accused Jesus of Breaking His Word

Via Instagram, 41-year-old Ronaldo had accused the coach, among other things, of breaking his word. Nevertheless, he still wants to play for the national team.

Ronaldo's full statement >>>

Jesus' response sounded as if he had initially focused on Portugal's future – only to then concentrate on the past once again. The escalation of a public feud, which had been brewing in recent days and gained momentum with Ronaldo's explosive statement, is now looming.

Messi's Farewell vs. Ronaldo's Farewell

Ronaldo's explanation regarding the scandal surrounding his departure from the national team's camp is not only in stark contrast to his eternal rival Lionel Messi, who ceremoniously bid farewell to Argentina's "Albiceleste" on Wednesday night with a 3-0 victory against Benin.

Tears and Mega-Show: The best pictures of Messi's farewell

It is brimming with accusations against Jesus, who had benched his superstar and not substituted him in the 2-1 victory ten days ago in Norway.

Ronaldo had immediately left the national team afterwards, announcing that he would comment on the matter in due course. He stated that his participation was not originally planned, but the coach had asked him before the game to play 30 minutes, which ultimately did not happen, Ronaldo now wrote in his statement.