"I don't apologize to anyone," the 72-year-old coach declared after Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League group stage second leg on 4/10. "The problem arose from a player warming up without entering the field. I am responsible for my decisions and what transpired. But apologize for what? Apologize to whom? The notion that I must apologize is incorrect."

Ronaldo did not start the first leg against Norway on 27/9. During the second half, he was asked to warm up for about 30 minutes, but coach Jesus ultimately did not use him. Following the match, the Portuguese coach explained that he had to change his mind due to the game's developments. In the days that followed, Ronaldo skipped training and unexpectedly left the team headquarters on 30/9. Consequently, he missed the 4-2 win against Denmark and the 2-1 victory over Norway in the return leg. The 41-year-old forward's departure has made his international future uncertain, amidst growing debate between Ronaldo's supporters and coach Jesus.

According to coach Jesus, asking Ronaldo to warm up and then not playing him in the recent match against Norway was merely a routine professional decision. The 72-year-old coach believes the situation escalated due to the Portugal captain's unique status.

"How many players warmed up today and didn't enter the field? Was there a problem? No," he remarked. "But with Ronaldo, it's different because he is an icon. Because it's Ronaldo, warming up and not playing becomes a major issue. But for me, it was never an issue."

Coach Jorge Jesus during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League A4 group fourth match at Dragao stadium, Porto, Portugal on 4/10/2026. Photo: Imago

Jesus also believes that their personal relationship should not take precedence over professional principles. He previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr and acknowledges a certain affection between them, but emphasizes that this cannot dictate personnel selection for the national team.

Jesus stressed that he has "non-negotiable" principles as a coach, but believes Ronaldo did not overstep his authority. Therefore, the 41-year-old forward remains part of the national team's plans.

"I don't know what will happen; for me, all possibilities remain open," he said. "He must decide his future before the next call-up. If Cristiano is still playing and wants to represent the national team, he can return anytime. Why not? This is just a misunderstanding and, in my opinion, easily resolved. From my side, everything is fine."

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Jesus does not want the tension to linger and aims to resolve the issue in November. The Portugal head coach reportedly plans to call up Ronaldo for the final two Nations League group matches: against Denmark on 14/11 in Braga and away to Wales on 17/11.

Jesus's view is that Ronaldo still has a place in the national team. If the forward wishes to end his international career, he must be the one to make that decision. Jesus does not want to be seen as the one who pushed Ronaldo out of the national team and is ready to call him back to prove that the disagreement between them is behind them.

The former coach of Al Nassr and Al Hilal is also reportedly willing to participate in a reconciliation meeting organized by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to resolve the disagreements among the coach, player, and federation.

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) converses with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca. Photo: A Bola

Following yesterday's victory at Dragao, FPF President Pedro Proenca spoke publicly about the incident for the first time, affirming that Ronaldo can still return to the national team if he wishes and meets professional requirements. He praised the 41-year-old forward as "the greatest player of all time," who has contributed for over two decades and become one of the greatest symbols of Portuguese football.

Proenca declined to disclose details of the disagreement between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus, stating it is a professional matter between coach and player. According to him, the incident is merely "a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally," and Ronaldo's position in the national team remains based on merit. "Cristiano will always be a part of this squad if he meets professional requirements," he said.

The head of the Portuguese Football Federation also stressed that the connection between Ronaldo and the national team has not broken down, adding that the federation will meet with all parties to ease tensions. "Ronaldo is a part of Portugal's football heritage and will always have a place here if the coach wants him," Proenca affirmed.

On the sporting front, Proenca expressed satisfaction with Jesus's start, as Portugal won all four matches in the first 14 days of the new cycle and secured an early spot in the Nations League quarterfinals. He believes the most important thing is that fans have regained faith in the national team.

Nuno Mendes dribbles during the victory against Norway. Photo: Imago

Teammates have also left the door open for Ronaldo. Nuno Mendes confirmed that the national team would welcome the captain if he decides to return. "Any player is welcome," the PSG defender said. "We are a united team. If Ronaldo or anyone else not present now returns, we will welcome them with open arms."

Joao Cancelo also expressed strong support for Ronaldo. "Cristiano is the captain, an icon of the national team, and the greatest player in Portuguese history," the 32-year-old defender stated. "I believe everything will be resolved in the best possible way."

According to Cancelo, the important thing now is that Portugal has won all four matches in the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League. He confirmed that the national team players have stayed in touch with Ronaldo last week, but declined to disclose the content of the discussions.

Hong Duy (according to Abola)