Former Barcelona and Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal has criticised Portugal coach Jorge Jesus for his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp.
Speaking during a livestream, Vidal said the situation was shameful and described Jesus as very poor in his management of the matter.
He argued that the Portugal coach should have protected Ronaldo rather than allowing the situation to develop as it did.
Ronaldo recently left Portugal’s camp during the ongoing UEFA Nations League. The 41-year-old has said he will reveal the truth behind his exit in the coming days.
Vidal said Ronaldo deserved better treatment, pointing to his long service to Portugal and his role in turning the country into one of the world’s top national teams. He added that a player of Ronaldo’s stature should not leave in such a manner.
The former midfielder also said Ronaldo has the right to do whatever he wants, crediting him with raising both football and the Portuguese national team to another level.
