Belgium manager gives the most sensible answer yet on Cristiano Ronaldo saga as Jorge Jesus remark made

Belgium manager Mark van Bommel has given his view on how Jorge Jesus handled Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal legend walked out of his national team camp.

Ronaldo announced his departure from the current Portugal squad on Wednesday, days after he was an unused substitute for their 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League.

Several of his team-mates have spoken out over the situation and new head coach Jesus has also addressed it - but one of his comments in particular has come under scrutiny.

READ NEXT: First Portugal stars speak publicly about Cristiano Ronaldo saga after Denmark win

'I've never promised...' - Jorge Jesus targeted over Cristiano Ronaldo comment

Jesus told reporters on Thursday that he had told Ronaldo prior to the Norway clash that he would not be starting. The 41-year-old had started Portugal's 2-0 win over Wales last week.

But he added that he informed Ronaldo he could be brought on during the second half: "Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about."

Clearly, a 'fuss' has been made about something that has happened in the national team set-up, with Ronaldo writing on Instagram that he would tell the Portuguese public the truth 'in time'.

READ NEXT: Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo situation

Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Ramos and Renato Veiga were all asked about Ronaldo after Thursday's 4-2 win over Denmark, but it was Belgium head coach Van Bommel who was most detailed in his remarks.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of Belgium's Nations League clash with Turkey, the former Netherlands international was asked by a reporter whether he had ever promised that a player would get minutes - with the reporter directly referencing Jesus and Ronaldo. It is worth noting that Jesus did not publicly state he had promised Ronaldo he would play.

"If you promise that, you have to do it," he replied (via beIN Sports). "But I've never promised a player that he would be brought on, because you never know what is going to happen. You always have to keep it open. You can tell him there's a good chance, though, so then you keep it open. That is something you can do."

When asked if he would handle the situation more 'intelligently' than Jesus, he said: "I don't know if it's more intelligent.

"He [Jesus] probably had his reasons too. It's easier in a friendly match. But a promise... no, I've never done that."

Romelu Lukaku situation provides Cristiano Ronaldo contrast

Van Bommel was addressing the situation of his striker Romelu Lukaku, who has played just seven minutes so far across the current international break.

He said that Lukaku could play 'as a substitute or as a starter', adding: "It depends on what we think we need at any stage or any situation we are going through.

"But I have never promised a player that he will play. You can say the chances are high, but there are no promises.

"I spoke with him via FaceTime about the situation and the style of play. I don't want to say Romelu can't do it, quite the opposite. The only obstacle is that he doesn't play much at Fenerbahce."

He concluded by stating: "You know, he trains well and he is comfortable ... there really is no problem."