Arturo Vidal has thrown his support behind Cristiano Ronaldo following the Portugal captain’s controversial departure from the national-team camp, insisting that the treatment of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been disrespectful.
The Chile international, speaking about the ongoing dispute involving Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, said the Portuguese superstar deserves greater protection and recognition for his contribution to the national team.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, who is among the four best players in the history of football, leaving Portugal like this is very ugly,” Vidal said. “Cristiano must be cared for and protected. He is the one who put Portugal among the best national teams in the world and took football and Portugal to another level.”
Vidal also criticised the way the situation has been handled by Jesus, arguing that the coach’s subsequent comments made him look bad.
“He gave everything for Portugal, he took the national team to another level,” Vidal said, adding his full support for the 41-year-old forward.
Vidal questions Ronaldo’s treatment
The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus midfielder said he considered it inappropriate for a player of Ronaldo’s stature to leave the national team under such circumstances. Vidal’s comments came after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp following a dispute surrounding his treatment by Jesus and the coach’s subsequent public remarks.
The controversy escalated after Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway despite warming up for around 30 minutes. Ronaldo later departed the camp, while Jesus publicly discussed the circumstances surrounding the decision. Vidal argued that Ronaldo had earned the right to make decisions about his international career because of his enormous contribution to Portugal.
“Cristiano is within his rights to do whatever he wants because of what he has done for football and for the Portugal national team,” the Chilean said.
He concluded his intervention by reiterating his support for the Portugal captain and accusing some coaches of failing to show sufficient respect.
“Full support for Cristiano. He is extraordinary at what he does. There are coaches who do not respect things,” Vidal said.
Vidal’s remarks represent his personal assessment of the dispute rather than an independent finding about whether Jesus or the Portuguese Football Federation acted improperly.
The disagreement continues to generate debate over Ronaldo’s relationship with the Portugal setup as the veteran forward’s international future remains a major talking point.