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Cristiano Ronaldo a Doubt for Nations League Game Amid Reports He Is Unhappy with Coach
During a Wednesday press conference, Portugal manager Jorge Jesus addressed the alleged rift with Cristiano Ronaldo, dismissing reports of conflict as "a non-existent issue" ahead of Thursday's match against Denmark.
Following Sunday's 2-1 win over Norway, speculation intensified after Ronaldo was left out of the squad, with the 41-year-old walking straight to the tunnel at the final whistle instead of celebrating with teammates.
Dismissing reports that the Al-Nassr star refused to train on Monday and Tuesday, Jesus clarified the benching was pre-planned, stating, "There was no incident whatsoever." He cited individual mobility exercises during the absences.
Goncalo Ramos will again start against Denmark, as Jesus explained he decided not to use Ronaldo during the Norway match because "the match itself will tell me what I need to do."
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca traveled to Copenhagen following the media scrutiny, though Jesus dismissed the significance of the visit, noting he and Ronaldo had already resolved the matter after dinner.
Does one of the biggest national team careers in the Eklat end? After another bank pitch threatened him, the superstar left the Portuguese training camp by private jet.