Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national football team, sparked controversy regarding his recent crisis with Jorge Jesus, which led to the former Real Madrid star leaving the training camp.
The Portuguese national team faced Denmark in the third round of the 2027 UEFA Nations League, securing a hard-fought victory by three goals to two.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not participate in Sunday evening's match between Portugal and Norway, remaining on the bench throughout the game due to a decision by coach Jorge Jesus, which angered the captain of the European Brazilians.
Ronaldo had met with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation and Jesus, and the issue was resolved among all parties.
Subsequently, a video circulated showing Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the Portugal national team's training facility after coach Jorge Jesus's press conference.
Cristiano Ronaldo issued a strong statement via his official account on the social media platform "Instagram," hinting at his international retirement.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper "AS," Cristiano Ronaldo liked an Instagram post in which a Brazilian discussed the poor treatment of their captain by the Portuguese players.
Felipe Melo said: "There is a vast difference in how the Portuguese treat Cristiano Ronaldo compared to how Argentines treat Lionel Messi."
He continued: "I see more respect from opponents when they play against Ronaldo than from his teammates. Did you see the Napoli player who scored yesterday's goal? He was so angry that he pushed Jorge Jesus away."
He added: "I see more respect for him compared to his teammates in the national team; no one there matches him, and no one is at Cristiano's level. The best player in history cannot be allowed to leave this way."
He went on: "He is one of the best players in history and the best in Portugal. This is impossible. Sorry, but what is happening to him is impossible. To be completely clear, between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus, I strongly support Cristiano."
He concluded: "If tomorrow they prove to me that he was disrespectful, that everything was planned and agreed upon, and that he left, I will be the first to admit my mistake."
Melo's statements spread widely after Cristiano Ronaldo liked them, indicating that the Portuguese football legend was expressing his disappointment with the national team players.
