Cristiano Ronaldo's latest social media activity speaks volumes amid Portugal saga
Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram account has 'liked' a video which analyses his controversial departure from the Portugal national team camp.
Ronaldo exited the national team set-up following a press conference given by Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus after he was an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway. He said he would reveal the truth about his departure 'in time'.
Jesus stated that there had been no incident between himself and Ronaldo, and that he had told him he would consider bringing him on against Norway in the second half. Ronaldo warmed up for around 20 to 30 minutes, but Jesus ultimately decided not to bring him on.
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Ronaldo 'likes' Instagram post from ex-Brazil star
The saga was discussed on Sportv, a Brazilian sports station, by former Brazil international midfielder Felipe Melo.
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As translated by Diario AS, Melo discussed how the Portugal national team bosses have treated Ronaldo and claimed there was a difference between how Argentina treat Lionel Messi.
He commented: "I see much more respect from opponents when they play against Cristiano Ronaldo. It's wrong ... nobody comes close to Cristiano Ronaldo. You can't let him leave like nothing happened."
He also referenced Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, who had what appeared to be a frosty exchange with Portugal head coach Jesus after Denmark's 4-2 defeat on Thursday night.
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The post has been liked by over 200,000 people since being published on Friday night - including by Ronaldo's account. It is unclear whether Ronaldo himself liked the post but, at the very least, it appears that Melo's view is echoed by those close to the Al Nassr forward.
What Cristiano Ronaldo has said since Portugal exit
Ronaldo has only publicly commented on the matter once, in confirming his departure from the national team set-up on Wednesday.
"After the press conference of the National Team coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp," a statement, posted to Instagram, reads.
"In due time, I will tell all the Portuguese about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, which I always dedicated myself to.
"Now it's time to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception."
According to Ronaldo's friend and El Chiringuito reporter Edu Aguirre, Ronaldo was said to have felt 'betrayed' by Jesus' promise to apologise over keeping him on the bench during his press conference and, when that did not happen, he was compelled to leave.
Ronaldo's sister, Elma dos Santos Aveiro, wrote on Instagram: "The national team deserved better structuring. The Portuguese press deserved more competence and fewer guesses.
"As for the Portuguese... well, they don't deserve the best in anything. We are envious, contemptuous, ignorant, and we deserve to return to the mediocrity we always had in football before CR7. Thank you for everything CR7!"
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Ryan Smart