Why Ronaldo warm-up controversy escalated – Coach Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted on Monday that the recent controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s unused warm-up against Norway only escalated because of the forward’s status as a national icon.

Speaking after Portugal’s Nations League match on Sunday, Jesus said the issue had been blown out of proportion and should not damage their working relationship.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, Jesus was quoted as saying, “In my opinion, you can’t hold a one-year friendship against someone over a situation that is difficult to understand,” Jesus stated.

He added: “Just because it was him. Just because it was him, and perhaps rightly so, because he is a symbol, this whole issue of warming up and not warming up, coming on and not coming on, has been created.”

Jesus pointed out that similar situations occur regularly without attracting attention. “How many players warmed up today and didn’t come on? How many? Is there going to be a problem with any of them? No.”

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The comments come after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp last week following a 2-1 win over Norway in which he was sent to warm up for a lengthy period in the second half but was never introduced. The 41-year-old had started the previous match against Wales before being substituted.

Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has repeatedly described the episode as a misunderstanding rather than a lasting rift. He has left the door open for the captain’s possible return in future squads, saying the matter is easy to resolve if Ronaldo wishes to continue with the national team.

The coach maintained that no player is above the team’s needs and that decisions on the pitch remain his responsibility.

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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