Jorge Jesus denies Ronaldo refused to train, says he did gym work amid injury management

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus clarified that Cristiano Ronaldo did not refuse to train ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, contrary to media reports. Speaking before the match, Jesus stated Ronaldo performed gym work and mobility exercises on the pitch before returning to his hotel for strengthening sessions, emphasizing this was part of a planned approach for injured players.

Jesus explained that Ronaldo, João Félix, and Francisco Conceição all skipped team training due to injury management—Félix was rested to reduce fatigue from recent games, while the others followed individual programs. The coach stressed there was no existing issue with Ronaldo, calling the refusal narrative a non-issue stemming from a coaching decision.

This clarification comes after Ronaldo's visible frustration following Portugal's win over Norway, where he didn't play and left the stadium quickly. Nigerian football fans following Ronaldo's Al Nassr career can now dismiss rumors of internal conflict, focusing instead on Portugal's preparation for the Denmark clash as they navigate the Nations League group stage.

Will this affect how you view Ronaldo's commitment to national duty despite club fatigue, or do you trust the coach's explanation of standard injury protocols?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/30/unl-jorge-jesus-clarifies-ronaldos-alleged-refusal-to-train/