The information was disclosed by Padrao, a former goalkeeper and a friend of Jorge Jesus, on the SIC Noticias program Jogo Aberto on 6/10. According to Padrao, Tiago Craveiro, formerly the Vice President and General Manager of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), contacted a member of Jorge Jesus's team. Craveiro then issued a demand regarding the press conference scheduled before Portugal's match against Denmark.

"He called someone on Jesus's team and said that if the coach did not publicly apologize at the start of the press conference, he would be dismissed," Padrao recounted.

Coach Jorge Jesus at a Portugal press conference, with Cristiano Ronaldo composited. *Photo: Observador*.

Padrao clarified that Craveiro did not deliver the threat directly to Jorge Jesus, but rather conveyed it via phone to a member of the coach's staff. He interpreted this as an "implicit threat" designed to pressure Coach Jesus into apologizing to Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's team reportedly attempted to draft a statement for Jorge Jesus to read during the press conference, with the intention of having the coach issue a public apology to the forward. However, the Portugal national team coach neither apologized to Ronaldo nor followed any part of the prepared script.

"Jorge told me he doesn't apologize to anyone," Padrao added. "He admitted his mistake, explained his decision, how the match unfolded, and the pressure he was under. Admitting a mistake is one thing; apologizing is another."

The dispute originated during Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Norway. Ronaldo warmed up for approximately 25 minutes but was not brought into the game. According to English journalist Piers Morgan, Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo had previously agreed on a plan for his use in international matches. This plan stipulated that the forward would start and play the entire match against Wales, then be rested for several other games.

Ronaldo started the match against Wales but was substituted in the 67th minute. Morgan stated that Jorge Jesus subsequently apologized to Ronaldo and FPF President Pedro Proenca, promising a public explanation. For the Norway match, Ronaldo accepted a plan to play for about 30 minutes, but ultimately remained on the bench despite warming up.

Ronaldo felt disrespected because the agreements between the two parties were not honored. In a letter on 6/10, Ronaldo also stated he never requested to play every match. The core issue, he explained, was Jorge Jesus making a promise and then acting differently.

Padrao during an interview with SIC. *Photo: screenshot*.

Padrao noted that Jorge Jesus is deeply affected emotionally. "I spoke with Jorge this morning, and he is very sad. I sensed his sadness because he didn't expect things to unfold this way."

According to his friend, Jorge Jesus believed he could manage Ronaldo's usage on the national team, especially after working with the forward for a year at Al Nassr. The two had won the Saudi Pro League with the club before reuniting for the Portugal national team.

Padrao further revealed that Jorge Jesus played a crucial role in convincing Ronaldo not to retire from the national team after the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo had intended to announce his departure from the Portugal team after their elimination by Spain in the round of 1/8 of the World Cup. However, Jorge Jesus and Proenca advised him against ending his international career with the image of crying after a defeat.

"It was Jorge who told Cristiano that he couldn't end his career like that. He said: 'You must finish in glory, and we will take care of that,'" Padrao recounted.

Padrao indicated that Jorge Jesus's past good relationship with Ronaldo made the current developments even more upsetting for him. He believes the Portugal national team coach had no intention of confronting Ronaldo and was confident they could resolve any disagreements.

Tiago Craveiro, mentioned by Padrao, previously worked at the FPF before transitioning to strategic roles at UEFA. In late 2023, he became a strategic advisor for CR7 SA, Ronaldo's management company.

Padrao initially stated he was unaware Craveiro was working for Ronaldo. After inquiring about Craveiro with Jorge Jesus, the Portugal coach explained their relationship.

"Ronaldo needs friends, not employees," Padrao remarked, also questioning the presence of Simao Coutinho, Al Nassr's sports director, at the Portugal national team hotel and during team-related meetings.

Hoang An (according to SIC)