Portugal coach Jorge Jesus reads Ronaldo statement, declines to comment

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has read Cristiano Ronaldo’s lengthy statement but declined to respond to the captain’s allegations, saying his focus remains on the national team.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed he read Cristiano Ronaldo’s nearly 2,000-word statement but declined to comment on the captain’s allegations.

Ronaldo broke his silence Tuesday after several days and sought to explain his decision to leave the national team camp. He also apologized for his departure and accused Jesus of breaking promises to him on two occasions.

Jesus had said Tuesday that he had not read Ronaldo statement because he was watching Portugal’s under-21 team play.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday morning as he left his home, Jesus confirmed that he had since read the statement.

“I have read the statement. And now, as I do every day, I’m going to the federation to work. There, I will focus on the team and the national team,” Jesus said.

Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation have yet to respond in detail to Ronaldo’s allegations.