Portugal: French pundit writes off Cristiano Ronaldo

Rothen blasts Ronaldo

Europe Today at 06:28

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Portugal: French pundit writes off Cristiano Ronaldo

More than a week after Cristiano Ronaldo's hasty departure from Portugal's training camp, the two sides involved in the dispute appear to want to make peace.

On Tuesday evening, Cristiano Ronaldo gave his version of events in a lengthy statement on social media. The Portuguese striker's explanations did not convince everyone. Jérôme Rothen, for example, was not convinced. The French pundit showed great irritation at the attitude of the Al-Nassr star.

The Portuguese Football Federation considers Cristiano Ronaldo VITAL to its financial and marketing success. 🇵🇹💰 The federation is said to NEED Ronaldo's commercial value to meet its financial obligations. Since his departure from the national team camp, officials have been looking for a way to bring him BACK, at least for a farewell appearance that would protect both Portugal's IMAGE and its finances.
— Transfer News (@TransferNews) October 8, 2026

"It's becoming pathetic... It's worse than anything. When he retires, people will remember the Ronaldo phenomenon, but his image is inevitably tarnished today... To me, it's a tantrum. If I were Jorge Jesus, I would never call him up again," the former France international said on RMC.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.