Portugal: ‘It makes it difficult to like you’ – Gary Neville slams Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Manchester United player Gary Neville has voiced his discontent with Cristiano Ronaldo's actions and the statement he made after his unexpected exit from the Portugal national team. Ronaldo withdrew from the team shortly before a match against Denmark, following a clash with coach Jorge Jesus. He cited a disagreement with the manager, specifically over Jesus' decision not to field him in a UEFA Nations League game against Norway, as the reason for his departure. Ronaldo also accused Jesus of reneging on promises.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville expressed disappointment with Ronaldo's attitude, stating, "I actually love him to bits. I can't sit here and say I approve of that statement and think it was a good thing for him to do; it makes him more difficult to like." Neville added, "If you love him, it makes him more difficult to like; if you don’t like him, it makes you dislike him even more."

Neville acknowledged that in a few years, when Ronaldo has retired, people will reflect on his footballing greatness, and this incident will likely be forgotten.

Ronaldo later apologized to his teammates and the Portuguese public for his abrupt departure from the squad, and reaffirmed his willingness to accept any disciplinary measures from the Portuguese Football Federation. However, he clarified that his international career was not over. Despite his apology, Ronaldo has reportedly been suspended from the national team by the Portuguese Football Federation, though the length of the suspension and any additional disciplinary action remain unknown.