{
  "id": 11166295,
  "title": "What happened with Ronaldo — Portugal coach Jorge Jesus explains",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/what-happened-with-ronaldo-portugal-coach-jorge-jesus-explains-11166295",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T10:30:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/what-happened-with-ronaldo-portugal-coach-jorge-jesus-explains/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portugal's national team coach, Jorge Jesus, has discussed the decision not to include Cristiano Ronaldo in the team's first two matches of the Nations League tournament. The coach clarified that the choice was made based on Ronaldo's physical condition, and the decision had been previously discussed with the captain. Jesus stated that there had been no dispute between him and Ronaldo, and the player had accepted the decision. He also debunked reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, insisting that the player had participated in gym work and strength exercises. Jesus emphasized that his decision was based on the team's best interests, and he maintained that all players, regardless of their status, were subject to the same rules.",
  "summary": "Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo missed recent Nations League matches, stating it was a pre-agreed plan due to his fitness. Read More: https://punchng.com/what-happened-with-ronaldo-portugal-coach-jorge-jesus-explains/",
  "key_points": [
    "Portugal coach Jorge Jesus explains Ronaldo's exclusion from first two matches.",
    "Decision based on Ronaldo's physical condition, discussed with captain.",
    "Ronaldo participated in gym work and strength exercises, debunking rumors."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after reported bench snub",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/ronaldo-leaves-portugal-camp-after-reported-bench-snub",
        "published": "2026-10-01T09:41:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "What happened with Ronaldo — Portugal coach Jorge Jesus explains",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/what-happened-with-ronaldo-portugal-coach-jorge-jesus-explains",
        "published": "2026-10-01T10:04:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}