Cristiano Ronaldo says Jorge Jesus broke his word twice, while accepting responsibility for leaving Portugal’s camp and confirming he has not retired internationally.

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence over his controversial departure from Portugal’s national-team camp, accusing head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice while accepting responsibility for his own conduct.

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram on Oct. 6, the 41-year-old Portugal captain gave his account of the events that led him to leave the squad in Copenhagen before the Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo also made clear that he has not retired from international football and said he would remain available for Portugal after serving any punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

Ronaldo said he initially supported Jesus’ appointment as Portugal coach after the 2026 World Cup. He said Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença had persuaded him to reconsider plans to leave the national team and later sought his opinion about the coaching candidates. Ronaldo said he backed Jesus and was genuinely pleased when the appointment was made.

According to Ronaldo, Jesus subsequently told him that he was an important part of his plans. The pair discussed managing Ronaldo’s workload, with an initial understanding that he would miss the matches against Norway and Denmark to manage his fitness.

Ronaldo said that arrangement changed on the day of Portugal’s match against Norway. He was told that Jesus wanted him to play about 30 minutes, and Ronaldo agreed. He then warmed up from halftime but was never introduced, remaining an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory. Ronaldo said the coach had broken his word by changing the agreed plan after telling him he would play.

Ronaldo acknowledged that he also acted improperly after the match. He apologized for not greeting supporters and for leaving his teammates, saying his position as captain made his conduct more serious.

The dispute continued in a subsequent meeting involving Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho. Ronaldo said the sides agreed that Jesus would clarify the situation at his next news conference. An eight-point document was prepared, according to Ronaldo, stating that he had not demanded playing time, had respected the coach’s decisions and that asking him to warm up without eventually using him had been a mistake.

Ronaldo said Jesus later failed to follow through on that agreement and that the coach’s public comments differed substantially from what had been discussed privately. He described that as the second time Jesus had broken his word and said he subsequently decided to leave the camp.

Jesus has disputed Ronaldo’s version, denying that such an agreement was made, while leaving the door open to Ronaldo returning to the national team. The Portuguese Football Federation had not immediately responded to requests for comment on Ronaldo’s statement.

Ronaldo also accepted that the federation should determine whether he deserves punishment for leaving the camp. He said there should be no special treatment because he is the team captain.

Despite the dispute, Ronaldo emphasized that he remains committed to Portugal. He said that if he is physically fit, continues performing for Al Nassr and serves any suspension imposed, he will remain available to compete for the national team.

Ronaldo also rejected the idea that his current dispute represents an immediate farewell. He said there will be time for a farewell eventually, but made clear that he wants to continue competing rather than simply receive a ceremonial send-off.