Portugal, Jorge Jesus: I did not ignore Cristiano, but I have to think about the team

Ahead of the match against Norway, Portugal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, again answered questions about Ronaldo: “I have to concentrate on the national team and I am not looking for love for myself,” he said. “Cristiano is a symbol of Portugal, but I am concentrated on Norway because I am the leader of a group and part of a team. There will be time to talk about this.”

Portugal is, however, somewhat divided on this issue, but the impression is that public and fan opinion leans in favour of Cristiano Ronaldo. “Before I became a coach, I was a fan of the national team; I did not care who the coach was or who the players were, I looked up at my flag.”

“I am not ignoring Cristiano. Let it be clear that I consider him a symbol of the national team, a symbol of Portugal. We will have time to discuss everything else after the match. Now I have to concentrate on the team and on our opponent, because Norway is one of the five best national teams in Europe.”