Portugal boss says he has not lost dressing room after Cristiano Ronaldo exit
· Yahoo Sports
Portugal boss Jorge Jesus insisted there is “nothing” that should stop the group from “being with me” after Cristiano Ronaldo left their training camp.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward announced on Instagram on Wednesday that he had left the training camp after discussions with Portuguese Football Federation present Pedro Proenca.
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Ronaldo started during Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday and was on the bench for their 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday, but did not feature - the first time he has been an unused sub for the Selecao in 18 years.
Following Ronaldo’s departure, Portugal returned to action with a 4-2 win over Denmark on Thursday, a third straight win that keeps them top of Group A4 and Jesus is determined to focus on their next game against Norway on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo walked out on the Portugal squad (Zed Jameson/PA) (PA Wire)“I do. There’s nothing that should stop the group from being with me,” Jesus told Sport TV, in quotes reported on Sapo when asked about whether he feels the group is with him after the Ronaldo case.
“I understand the question. The important thing is what we have to do. The things that happen don’t separate the group, they haven’t separated us and they won’t separate us.”
Asked if he would accept Ronaldo back if he wanted to return, Jesus said post-match: “A high-quality victory, with four goals, a top-level performance. It can’t be overlooked, it’s more important than everything that happened.
“That’s what I want to focus on. Returning to Portugal, the people will fight at the Dragao stadium.”