Belgium head coach, Mark van Bommel has slammed Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus over his handling of legendary forward, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has become the subject of significant media attention following his departure from the Portugal national team camp prior to their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
The Al Nassr attacker exited the camp immediately after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus concluded his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of their game against Denmark.
Ronaldo was kept on the bench from start to finish in their game against Norway, and Jesus stated that he had informed the experienced player that he would be introduced as a substitute for a 30-minute appearance.
However, Jesus was unable to fulfil this commitment due to the circumstances of the match. Shortly after his press conference concluded, Ronaldo departed the camp and travelled to Madrid via his private aircraft.
During preparations for Belgium’s Nations League encounter with Türkiye, Red Devils head coach, Mark van Bommel was questioned about whether he had ever made comparable commitments to players as Jesus had to Ronaldo.
He responded: “When you make a promise like that, you must keep it. However, I have never promised a player that he would play, as circumstances are unpredictable. You must maintain flexibility in your approach.”
Following his departure from the camp, Cristiano Ronaldo issued a statement on social media, indicating that he would subsequently disclose the circumstances surrounding his abrupt exit from the camp.
Ronaldo faces the possibility of significant disciplinary action as a consequence of his departure from the Portugal national team.
In accordance with FPF regulations, any player who neglects to attend training sessions may receive a suspension lasting up to six months and incur a monetary penalty of up to €1,000.