Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says the recent controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s unused warm-up against Norway only escalated because of the forward’s status as a national icon.
Speaking after Portugal’s Nations League match on Sunday, Jesus said the issue had been blown out of proportion and should not damage their working relationship.
The comments come after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp last week following a 2-1 win over Norway in which he was sent to warm up for a lengthy period in the second half but was never introduced. The 41-year-old had started the previous match against Wales before being substituted.
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo described the episode as a misunderstanding rather than a lasting rift. He has left the door open for the captain’s possible return in future squads.
