{
  "id": 11383673,
  "title": "Ronaldo situation not for players to decide — Nuno Mendes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ronaldo-situation-not-for-players-to-decide-nuno-mendes",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T07:28:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ronaldo-situation-not-for-players-to-decide-nuno-mendes/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portugal defender Nuno Mendes has clarified that the national team is focused on welcoming any new player to the squad, but firmly maintains that the decision concerning Cristiano Ronaldo's role lies outside the players' jurisdiction. According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mendes emphasized that the team's concentration remains solely on their forthcoming match at Dragão and adhering to coach Jorge Jesus' directives. \"He is a player for the national team, and we are more focused on what we have to do now and on what the coach wants to bring to us,\" Mendes stated when questioned about Ronaldo. \"As for the rest, it's not for us to decide,\" he added. Mendes further expressed Portugal's openness to any player joining the team. Coach Jorge Jesus has also urged the squad to prioritize the upcoming Dragão match, stating that the Ronaldo situation will be resolved afterward. \"Now we have to focus on the Dragão match and on what we can do in it,\" Jesus affirmed. While Portugal defender Renato Veiga acknowledged his close relationship with Ronaldo, he declined to comment on the ongoing situation, citing instructions not to discuss it. Gilbert Ekugbe, a journalist at Punch Newspapers, reported on this story, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting on business and economic matters in Nigeria.",
  "summary": "Portugal defender Nuno Mendes says the national team is ready to welcome any player who joins the squad, while insisting that the decision over Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation is not for the players to make. According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, Mendes said the team’s attention is firmly on its upcoming Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Portugal defender Nuno Mendes clarifies decision on Cristiano Ronaldo is not players' concern.",
    "Coach Jorge Jesus urges team to focus on upcoming Dragão match.",
    "Portugal open to any player joining squad, Ronaldo's role remains separate."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Ronaldo situation not for players to decide — Nuno Mendes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ronaldo-situation-not-for-players-to-decide-nuno-mendes-11385204",
        "published": "2026-10-02T07:36:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}