Belgium head coach, Mark van Bommel, has criticised Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus, over his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has attracted significant attention following his departure from the Portugal national team camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
The Al Nassr forward left the camp shortly after Jesus concluded his pre match press conference on Wednesday.
Ronaldo had remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s match against Norway, with Jesus previously stating that he had told the experienced forward he would come on as a substitute for 30 minutes.
However, Jesus was unable to fulfil the commitment due to the circumstances of the match. Shortly after the press conference, Ronaldo left the camp and travelled to Madrid on his private aircraft.
During preparations for Belgium’s Nations League encounter with Türkiye, Van Bommel was asked whether he had ever made similar commitments to players.
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, Ronaldo issued a statement on social media, indicating that he would later disclose the circumstances surrounding his abrupt exit from the camp.
Ronaldo could face disciplinary action over his departure from the Portugal national team.
Under FPF regulations, a player who fails to attend training sessions may receive a suspension of up to six months and a fine of up to €1,000.
