Cristiano Ronaldo "will always be our captain," read one of three banners erected in Lisbon and Oeiras as tensions rose surrounding Portugal's national football team. The displays emerged across the Segunda Circular in Lisbon and near the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras following an incident in Denmark where the Al Nassr forward left a national team training session and departed the training camp a day before a UEFA Nations League match, rtp.pt reported.
Banners Target National Coach Jorge Jesus
The public displays carried mixed messages praising the player while criticizing national team manager Jorge Jesus. “Jorge Jesus was not up to the task,” one banner stated, with organizers accusing the coach of poor management regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, a lack of sensitivity, and an “inflamed ego” in his treatment of the team captain. Messages of solidarity included, “Obrigado Cristiano Ronaldo for everything you have done for Portugal. You will always be our captain” and “Portugal is always with you.”
Local authorities in Oeiras swiftly removed the banner posted near the Cidade do Futebol. The municipality stated that the removal was due to the structure being an allegedly illegal advertising installation within the county. The identity of the individuals responsible for putting up the banners remains unknown.
Al Nassr Forward Disclaims Responsibility
A source close to the Al Nassr player clarified to the Lusa news agency that neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor anyone connected to him holds any responsibility for placing the banners. Meanwhile, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) indicated that it wants to ensure a consensus and will do everything possible to prevent Ronaldo’s history with the national team from ending in this manner, given his immense representation for the country and Portuguese football as a whole. However, the federation has not confirmed any plans to organize a direct meeting between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus, emphasizing that concentration must remain entirely on the upcoming match until Sunday.
Banners criticize Jorge Jesus after Ronaldo leaves training camp
Where were the banners criticizing Jorge Jesus installed?
Two banners appeared along the Segunda Circular in Lisbon, and a third was erected near the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras before being removed by local authorities.
What specific event preceded the appearance of the banners?
The banners appeared following an incident in Denmark where Cristiano Ronaldo left a national team training session and abandoned the squad’s training camp one day prior to a UEFA Nations League fixture.
What position has the Portuguese Football Federation taken regarding the situation?
The FPF stated that it will work to ensure Cristiano Ronaldo’s career with the national team does not end abruptly, though it maintained that the team’s focus must remain strictly on the match until Sunday.
Worth a look