Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus emphasized that there is nothing preventing his players from standing with him following Ronaldo's departure from the national team camp.
Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in Matchday 3 of the UEFA Nations League.
Jorge Jesus told Portuguese sports media: "Is the team behind me after the Ronaldo issue? Yes, absolutely. There is nothing that can prevent the group from standing with me."
He added, "I understand the question. What matters is what we need to do. Events that occur do not divide the group; they have not divided us and never will."
He continued, "Do I agree to Ronaldo's return? We achieved a high-quality win, scored four goals, and delivered a top-level performance. This cannot be ignored; it is more important than everything else that happened."
He concluded, "This is what I want to focus on. Upon returning to Portugal, the players will fight at the Dragão stadium."
Ronaldo left the national team camp in Denmark on Wednesday heading to Madrid following comments made by national team coach Jorge Jesus during the press conference. (Read the details)
Cristiano felt he was disrespected by the Portuguese Football Federation, which had asked him not to retire and promised him full respect until 2027.
Rafael Leão wore the number 7 shirt after Ronaldo's departure from the camp and played in that kit against Denmark.
João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, and João Félix scored Portugal's four goals, while Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Højlund netted Denmark's two goals.
Portugal raised their tally to 9 points, topping the group with a perfect record of three wins.
Portugal scored four away goals in an official match without Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since September 6, 2008, when they also scored four against Malta.
Vitinha scored his first goal for Portugal in his 46th international appearance.
Ramos has scored 12 of his 13 goals for Portugal when Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the pitch, and reached his 100th career goal across club and country.
