Jorge Jesus takes another jab at Ronaldo. What is going on?
Portugal suffered a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, and the post-match press conference quickly turned into another chapter of the tense saga between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Details: During the match, after Denmark scored their fourth goal, some Portuguese supporters walked out of the stands chanting Cristiano Ronaldo's name. When journalists asked head coach Jorge Jesus whether he missed the legendary forward on the pitch, his reply was icy and blunt.
"Missing what? He's no longer on the national team, so what's missing? The only thing missing is his presence here to keep me company," Jesus stated, refusing to link the heavy loss to Ronaldo's absence.
The clash against Denmark was Portugal's first outing since Ronaldo officially announced his retirement from international football on November 5, bringing an end to his 23-year spell with the Seleção, where he scored 146 goals in 234 appearances.
The rift between the two dates back to the previous international break, when Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench and the veteran striker walked out of the training camp—a fallout that eventually led to a federation suspension and his decision to step away from the national team.
Reminder: The whole squad in Ronaldo shirts: Portugal pay a moving tribute to Cristiano
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
