Ex-Portugal midfielder Vidigal slams Ronaldo’s national team exit reason
Former Portugal midfielder Jose Luis Vidigal has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo’s explanation for leaving the national team camp before the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, saying the statement did not adequately justify his conduct amid a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Vidigal backed Jesus and said Ronaldo would likely regret his decision. “The coach did what he had to do. When Ronaldo took the return flight, I immediately thought he would regret what he was doing,” Vidigal said. He added that Ronaldo’s statement “doesn’t justify many things” and that making him kneel for a mistake is something that “doesn’t exist anywhere.”
Ronaldo is expected to rejoin the Portugal squad for the November international break. For Nigerian football fans who follow global stars, the episode highlights how player‑coach disagreements can affect team selection and national team performance, especially ahead of major tournaments. It also shows that even top players face scrutiny from former internationals when their actions clash with team discipline.
What do you think: should Ronaldo have stayed and resolved the issue with the coach, or was leaving the camp justified given his stature? Consider how similar situations might affect Nigeria’s own Super Eagles when star players face disciplinary issues.