🚨🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: “The coach had broken his word to me.
At the end of the match I only wanted everything to finish with the victory and to be alone. I did not go to greet the fans. A failing that is solely my responsibility and that should not have happened. I apologise to the Portuguese who supported us intensely there, I apologise to the fans, and I apologise to those who, without being Portuguese, may have travelled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed.
Forty-eight hours later we had a conversation — myself, the coach and Simão Coutinho — since he had been the one accompanying our conversations in August. It was a deep moment, very frank, without any kind of filter.
We agreed that there was only one way to close this “case”: that the coach repeat what he had just told me in private, in the presence of Simão Coutinho, but in the press room.
What was agreed was simple: the coach would begin the press conference with this subject, seeking to close the matter by telling the truth. He would say that I never asked to play any minutes, that it was the coach and no one else who proposed the plan for this camp to me, and that it was a mistake to put me on to warm up and then not bring me on, and that if it happened again he would not do it.
We ended that meeting with the coach asking me for a hug, promising me that he would say at the conference what he had just said to me, and that the matter would be overcome. I would not play in Denmark and I would play the match at the Dragão. All of this in the presence of Simão Coutinho, always.
At the coach’s request, a meeting then took place between himself, Simão Coutinho and Tiago Craveiro by videoconference, in which what we had discussed was summarised.
A short document was produced which I myself validated and which, with my knowledge, was delivered to the coach, as he had requested.
The conference was what is known: the posture had nothing to do with our meeting; I heard expressions and an aggressiveness that I do not believe I deserved, an attitude of “I want, I can and I command” that he never showed me, not even remotely, in private the day before.
The notes I validated were the following:
“I think it is important, also because it is the truth, to clarify a few things before talking about Denmark:
1. I myself, and no one else, proposed to Cristiano a plan for him this sporting season with the National Team. It was a long and very good conversation.
2. I know how much he lives and loves the national team and the weight he has in the world, and even more the weight and the positive influence he has had on the national team for 24 consecutive years.
3. The plan I proposed to Cristiano was accepted.
4. He never questioned my options. He was exemplary, loyal and professional.
5. The match in Norway was not part of the plan I drew up for him. However, I felt that he had managed to recover physically from the first match and I warned him that I might have to use him. Cristiano agreed.
6. I made a mistake by putting someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona on to warm up and then not putting him in the game. If it were today I would not do it.
7. To close the subject: I want Cristiano in the National Team. In fact I do not want him a little, I want him a lot. Fortunately he also believes in me. He believed at Al Nassr and he does here as well.
8. About not greeting the fans. We have already spoken about that. Someone who has played more than 230 matches for the national team does not receive lessons from me on love for Portugal. It was a moment of frustration that erases nothing. He is the player who gives the most autographs, takes the most selfies, and shows the most affection to the fans. Let us not invent problems where they do not exist. When we are not happy we react. That was all.
None of these notes, therefore, said that the coach should even apologise to me.
It was the second time he had broken his word to me”.
🚨💣 MAJOR BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo has decided NOT to retire from international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains AVAILABLE for Portugal from November international break.
More follows. 🇵🇹
Z. Zidane gave Belgium 🇧🇪 76 minutes to apologise for scoring first, then introduced Olise, Cherki and Doue...
And just like that, France 🇫🇷 delivered one of the biggest comebacks in Nations League history in less than 15 minutes.
🚨🗣️ Joao Cancelo: "Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain and our national team's symbol."
"He is the greatest of all time."
"We all want this situation to be resolved calmly and with all the respect he deserves."
🚨🇵🇹 Portuguese Federation president Pedro Proença: “Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the ultimate symbol of Portuguese identity”.
“His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready”.
“What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally”.
“Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches”.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese icon and an exceptional player. He could have ended his career at the World Cup, but he didn't because of his love for his national team”.
“I can attest to the bond he shares with the Portuguese people and our national team”.
“Now that the four matches are over, we have the time and calm to sit down together and resolve the misunderstanding”.
“Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him”.
🚨JUST IN: Premier League officials fear the league’s integrity, and the value of its broadcasting rights, would be damaged if Manchester City are not severely punished
Man City Men - 15 points
Man City women -15 points
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Man City Women - Top of the league
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Man City Women - 5 league Wins ina row
Erling Haaland- Top scorer
Khadijah Shaw - Top scorer