Mourinho Denies Making Comments About Ronaldo, Portugal

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has denied making comments circulating online about Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team, describing the reports as fake news.

Mourinho addressed the controversy on Thursday after several statements were attributed to him regarding Ronaldo’s recent departure from Portugal’s training camp.

The Portuguese manager said he had not made the comments being circulated and distanced himself from the controversy involving his former Real Madrid player and the Portuguese Football Federation.

The reports emerged amid growing attention surrounding Ronaldo’s situation with the national team after the 41 year old forward unexpectedly left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen.

Ronaldo’s departure followed his omission from Portugal’s starting line up during the team’s recent Nations League victory over Norway. He subsequently missed a training session before leaving the camp.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has acknowledged tensions surrounding Ronaldo but has sought to play down the situation.

Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, was subsequently linked to several comments about the player’s position within the national team.

However, Mourinho rejected the statements attributed to him, saying that too much false information was being circulated about his supposed comments on Ronaldo, the Portuguese Football Federation and the national team coach.

The clarification came after social media posts and reports, particularly in Brazil, circulated alleged remarks concerning Ronaldo’s role and his relationship with Jesus.

Mourinho’s denial means the statements should not be treated as comments made by the Real Madrid coach.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most capped player and leading international goalscorer, but his immediate future with the national team has attracted renewed attention following his departure from the training camp.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure, while the player said he would explain the circumstances surrounding his decision at a later time.

Mourinho has now made clear that he does not want to be drawn into the dispute and has rejected the comments attributed to him.

The development adds another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Ronaldo and Portugal as the national team prepares for its upcoming Nations League fixtures.