CORNERFLICK
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly refusing to return to Portugal's national team while Jorge Jesus remains head coach, according to Portuguese journalist Rui Santos.
What Santos reported
Santos said Ronaldo is furious with Jesus after the forward was left out of Portugal's game against Norway and then left camp before the Denmark fixture in the third round of the Nations League group stage. He claimed Ronaldo has told people close to him that he will not play for Portugal again until Jesus is gone.
The Al Nassr forward believes Jesus has sent mixed messages about his future. Jesus had said he wanted Ronaldo back in the squad, and also said the final call on call-ups belonged to him alone and that he did not owe anyone an apology.
Portugal situation
Ronaldo's future with the national team remains unclear, with the 41-year-old still a major figure for Portugal. Santos said Jesus staying in the job could become a major obstacle to any return.
The report also follows comments from Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, which have added to the tension around Ronaldo's international future.