Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has said he has a “clear conscience” over the circumstances surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on Wednesday, shortly before the team’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark, after tensions emerged between him and Jesus.
The 41-year-old forward was reportedly unhappy after being left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday. Jesus had earlier explained that he decided against bringing Ronaldo on despite initially considering using him as a substitute.
Ronaldo later announced that he had left the camp following a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, promising to reveal the “truth” about his decision in due course.
Speaking to Sport TV, Jesus said: “I am completely relaxed, with a clear conscience regarding this situation.”
The coach added that he would provide more details after Portugal’s next match against Norway on Sunday.
“I have many years in football, and I know that I did nothing for the process not to continue as it was,” Jesus said, while also stressing that Ronaldo remains an important figure for Portugal.
Ronaldo’s future with the national team remains uncertain following his departure, although neither the player nor the Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed that he has retired from international football.
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