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Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has played down reports of a rift with Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting there was never a serious problem between them.
Jesus said Portuguese media pressure forced him to meet with the Portugal captain following speculation about tension between the pair.
“They [Portuguese media] basically forced me to speak with Cristiano about a situation where there was no situation at all,” Jesus said.
The manager explained that he approached Ronaldo because of the growing reports surrounding their relationship.
“I told Cris: ‘There’s so much being said about this in Portugal that I don’t understand what’s going on.’ But there was nothing to discuss.”
According to Jesus, Ronaldo made it clear during their meeting that he would accept whatever decision the manager made about his involvement.
“Cristiano told me: ‘I’m here for you to decide. If you want me to play, I’ll play. If you don’t want me to play, I won’t. If you want me in the stands, I’ll go to the stands.’”
Jesus said the matter was subsequently settled over dinner, dismissing suggestions that the controversy had created a serious divide within the Portugal camp.
“We had already sorted everything out after dinner. The problem wasn’t even a problem.”
His comments come after reports of tension surrounding Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal team, with speculation over the veteran forward’s involvement generating considerable attention in the Portuguese media.
Jesus’ remarks indicate that, the reported disagreement was largely driven by media speculation rather than an actual dispute between himself and Ronaldo.
