Allardyce backs Portugal coach Jesus as 'brave' for telling Ronaldo to leave national team
Breaking: Former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce defended Portugal coach Jorge Jesus's handling of Cristiano Ronaldo's exit, calling Jesus 'brave' for telling Ronaldo he must leave the national team after the Al-Nassr forward walked out of camp before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce said Ronaldo was moved on from Manchester United to get rid of him, adding that Jesus had to take criticism because he felt Ronaldo was too old for his system. 'Sooner or later, someone has to say it, and this manager is brave enough to tell him he needs to go,' Allardyce stated.
Ronaldo had accused Portugal's manager of not being truthful about his involvement in team matches prior to walking out. The incident highlights global football's challenge in managing transitions for aging superstars—a topic resonant in Nigerian football discussions about veterans' roles in national teams.
Will Nigerian sports bodies face similar decisions with their own aging stars, and how should they balance respect for legends with team performance needs?