{
  "id": 11385204,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T07:36:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "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 its upcoming match and on following the instructions of coach Jorge Jesus, and not on the situation of Cristiano Ronaldo. Mendes stated that while Ronaldo is a player for the national team, the decision over his involvement is not for the players to make. He emphasized that the team is more concerned with performing well in the upcoming match at the Dragão and carrying out the coach's plans. Coach Jesus also stressed that the team should concentrate on the Dragão match and not on the Ronaldo situation, which will be addressed after the match. Portuguese defender Renato Veiga confirmed his close relationship with Ronaldo but declined to discuss the situation, citing instructions not to speak about it.",
  "summary": "Portugal defender Nuno Mendes says the national team will welcome any player who joins the squad. The team's attention is focused on its upcoming match. Mendes was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's situation but said that it is not for the players to decide.\n\nMendes stated that the team is focused on carrying out coach Jorge Jesus' instructions. He added that the squad would welcome whoever joins the team. Jesus also called on Portugal to remain focused on the match, saying the Ronaldo situation would be addressed afterward.\n\nRenato Veiga, another Portugal defender, declined to discuss the situation, saying he has been instructed not to talk about it. Veiga mentioned that he is close to Ronaldo and has a lot of affection for him.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-10-02T07:28:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}