Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has criticized Cristiano Ronaldo over his decision to leave Portugal’s national team camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney described Ronaldo’s conduct as wrong, accusing the Portugal captain of undermining his coach and teammates.
“For him to come out of the Portugal squad that way and then put that statement out is just wrong in every sense, from my point of view,” Rooney said.
He also suggested that Ronaldo was struggling to accept the reality of nearing the end of his international career, adding that the situation had become uncomfortable to watch.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in late September after being left on the bench during a Nations League match against Norway. He later accused Jesus of breaking promises regarding his playing time and a subsequent public explanation of the situation.
The 41-year-old apologized to his teammates and supporters, accepted responsibility for his actions, and said he was willing to face disciplinary consequences.
The Portuguese Football Federation provisionally suspended Ronaldo on October 10 while disciplinary proceedings into his departure continued.
