Follow Us on Google
Portugal defender Nuno Mendes has said the national team players are not responsible for deciding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the squad, insisting their focus remains on their next match.
Mendes made the comments as Portugal prepares for its upcoming fixture at the Dragão, amid continued attention surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp.
According to media reports, Mendes said the players were concentrating on their responsibilities and coach Jorge Jesus’ instructions.
“He is a player for the national team, and we are more focused on what we have to do now and on what the coach wants to bring to us,” Mendes said when asked about Ronaldo.
“As for the rest, it’s not for us to decide,” he added.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender said the squad would remain ready to welcome any player who joins the national team.
“We’re here to welcome any player who joins us,” Mendes said.
Jesus has also urged Portugal to concentrate on the Dragão fixture, saying the Ronaldo situation would be addressed after the match.
“Now we have to focus on the Dragão match and on what we can do in it,” Jesus said.
“After the Dragão match, we’ll see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Portugal defender Renato Veiga said he remains close to Ronaldo but declined to discuss the controversy.
“I’m very close to Cristiano Ronaldo, and he knows I have a lot of affection for him,” Veiga said.
“But I’ve been instructed not to talk about this. I can’t talk about it,” he added.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp earlier after the veteran forward was not included in the team’s plans for the opening Nations League matches under Jesus.
The developments have continued to attract attention around the Portugal camp, with the team now seeking to keep its focus on its upcoming fixture.
