Lothar Matthäus, the German national team legend, criticized Portugal's players for not supporting Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr Saudi striker.
The crisis began during the match against Norway, when Ronaldo sat on the bench for the entire game, despite starting in the previous match against Wales and warming up for a long time during the Norway game without ultimately playing.
The dispute escalated after Jesus confirmed in the press conference before the Denmark match that the decision to play Ronaldo or not was solely his, stressing that all players are subject to the same rules and that no player is allowed to influence his technical decisions.
German legend criticizes Portugal players over Cristiano Ronaldo
Lothar Matthäus said in remarks reported by the Argentine newspaper "Ole": "In my opinion, the problem is not limited to the coach or the fact that he put him on the bench; I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo no longer has the support of his teammates."
He continued: "He had a wonderful career, and we congratulate him for that. He gave so much to football that we can only be grateful to him. His departure from the national team should have been more dignified; he did not deserve this situation. I hope that eventually they will be able to look each other in the eyes."
Jorge Jesus said in previous remarks: "I do not know what will happen in the coming period, as all possibilities remain open for me."
He added: "Ronaldo must first settle his future before the issue of being called up to the national team. But if he plays regularly with his club and has the desire to represent Portugal, he can return at any time he wishes. Why not?"
He continued: "In my view, the matter was nothing more than a simple misunderstanding, which is very easy to resolve. As for me, things are fine. Regarding the timing of ending this crisis, I do not have a specific answer now. We must wait to see what the coming days bring, especially since the match just ended."
