Cristiano Ronaldo does not retire from the national team, but asks
Why it matters
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, continues to demonstrate his attachment to the Portuguese national team, despite recent controversies. His decision not to retire is significant for Portugal, which aims to capitalize on his experience and talent for future international competitions. Furthermore, his request for punishment reflects a sense of responsibility that could positively influence the team dynamic.
Context
Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr, has an impressive international career with Portugal, having scored 146 goals in 234 games. His leadership and his goalscoring record are fundamental for the national team, which has already benefited from his experience during historic triumphs such as the 2016 European Championships and the Nations League editions.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo is not retiring from the national team, but he is asking.
- Cristiano Ronaldo expresses his desire to continue playing for Portugal, but recognizes the need for punishment after abandoning retirement due to a mix-up with coach Jorge Jesus.
- Ronaldo wants Portugal 'punishment' but not retiring - Yahoo Sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that he has no intention of retiring from the Portuguese national team, but that he believes it is right to receive punishment for abandoning his retirement after coach Jorge Jesus "broke his agreement" with the player. The national team captain, 41, left his team's training camp during last week's international break after he was not used in the match against Norway and after learning that he would not start the match against Denmark. Ronaldo, Al Nassr striker, scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, an all-time record, contributing to his country's victory at the 2016 European Championships and the last two editions of the Nations League. In a long statement, amounting to almost 2000 words, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker said he wanted to be held responsible for his action, but also accused coach Jesus of having committed a "total breach of trust" towards him, for not having him play against Norway, despite having promised that he would, and for not having made public the true reasons for his employment. "The Portuguese Football Federation must evaluate the consequences of my actions and punish me for it. I believe that the punishment should not be reduced," Ronaldo said. “I have already apologized myself, but I know that actions have consequences.” Ronaldo's statement comes after Jorge Jesus said there was no problem with the national team captain, following reports that Ronaldo had refused to train. The coach of the Portuguese national team declared last Sunday that the door for Ronaldo was still open. Ronaldo stated that he wanted to continue playing for Portugal "as long as I am physically fit, I will play for my team and I hope to score goals". "After my suspension period is over, I will be available, as always, to compete and win with my national team." In his statement, Ronaldo used at times conciliatory tones, but also criticized coach Jesus, providing his version of the facts regarding the mix-up that led him to abandon his retirement. He explained that there was an agreement with the coach according to which he would miss the matches against Norway and Denmark to better manage his physical condition. However, on the day of the match against Norway, Jesus allegedly told him that the player had to take the field for 30 minutes. "Everyone knows how things went. I warmed up during half-time, I saw the minutes ticking away and I wasn't called," said Ronaldo. A subsequent meeting with the coach led to a further agreement, according to which Jesus would clarify the issue in his next meeting with journalists. Ronaldo claimed to have drawn up an eight-point document in which it was specified that he had never asked to play, that he respected the coach's decisions and that the latter had made a mistake in calling him up for the warm-up before the match against Norway, if a player of the caliber of Pelè or Maradona had been asked to warm up without then letting them play. Ronaldo said that the drafted document did not require an apology from Jorge Jesus, but that the statements made by the coach in the meeting with journalists did not reflect what was agreed between the parties. "That press conference was the opposite of what was agreed. I saw expressions and aggression that I didn't think I deserved. An 'important person' attitude that he never showed, not even in the slightest, in private with me." Ronaldo then declared that he believed that Jesus had "broken for the second time" the trust and agreements made with him and for this reason he decided to leave the retreat, "without waiting for further broken promises". Before the appointment of Jorge Jesus as coach of the Portuguese national team, Ronaldo had declared that Jesus was "the right choice" to lead the national team. Ronaldo had considered retiring from international football after this summer's World Cup, in which Portugal exited in the round of 16, and had written a letter to fans containing the words he wanted to say when he announced his retirement, but the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca, asked him to reconsider on the flight home from the United States. In Portugal, Ronaldo's behavior aroused conflicting opinions: while Jorge Jesus received some support from the media and fans, those loyal to the player harshly criticized the coach. Ronaldo however reiterated that, although there was a "total breakdown of trust" for him in Jorge Jesus, he should not have left the retreat and that the responsibility lies solely with him. "I owe an apology to my teammates for leaving the retreat... I apologize again to the Portuguese people, but for me a broken word has a decisive weight", concluded Ronaldo. The captain of the Portuguese national team continues his quest for the thousandth career goal: he has currently scored 979 goals for club and country. Portugal will return to action in November for the final two games of the Nations League group, against Denmark and Wales.
What happens now
Ronaldo expects the Portuguese Football Federation to take his actions into consideration and establish an appropriate punishment. This could lead to an internal reflection within the national team regarding the management of the players and the promises made by coach Jorge Jesus. The situation could also influence Portugal's tactical choices in the next matches, especially in view of competitions such as the qualifiers for the next European Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Cristiano Ronaldo and the national team?
Cristiano Ronaldo said he did not want to retire from the Portuguese national team, but asked for punishment for abandoning retirement after coach Jorge Jesus broke an agreement with him.
Who confirmed Ronaldo's request for a punishment?
Cristiano Ronaldo himself confirmed his request for punishment in a long statement.
Why is Ronaldo asking for a free kick now?
Ronaldo asks for punishment because he feels responsible for leaving the retreat and accuses coach Jorge Jesus of having committed a breach of trust.
What changes did Ronaldo request regarding his situation?
Ronaldo has requested that the Portuguese Football Federation evaluate the consequences of his actions and punish him accordingly.
What is Ronaldo's current position in the national team?
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has no intention of retiring from the Portuguese national team.
