Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister Claims Portuguese Public 'Deserve Mediocrity' Amid Star's Exit from National Team

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Elma Aveiro, has publicly supported her brother amid his dramatic departure from the Portuguese national team training camp, sharing a post that stated Portuguese people "deserve mediocrity." The controversy stems from an alleged row with national team manager Jorge Jesus, leading to Ronaldo's unannounced exit.

Ronaldo himself confirmed his departure on Instagram, stating, "After the national team coach's press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp." He added, "In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself." The Portuguese Football Federation released a brief statement confirming Ronaldo's departure and that preparations for upcoming games would continue with the remaining 24 players.

Elma Aveiro amplified the sentiment of unfair treatment by reposting a message on her Instagram story that read, "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!" Aveiro underscored her agreement with an "Everything has been said" comment.

Adding fuel to the controversy, Edu Aguirre, a journalist and close friend of Ronaldo, claimed on the Spanish program El Chiringuito that the player felt "betrayed" by manager Jorge Jesus. Aguirre detailed a meeting between Ronaldo, the federation president, and Jesus, where Jesus reportedly apologized to Ronaldo for not playing him after making him warm up for 30 minutes and promised a public apology. Aguirre alleges that Jesus then contradicted this by stating in a press conference that Ronaldo was simply another player and implying he would not necessarily be used. "That's why Cristiano explodes, because he feels betrayed," Aguirre stated.

Ronaldo's departure follows him being an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday, marking the first time in 18 years he had not featured in a Portugal match aside from absences due to injury or suspension. After that match, Ronaldo was seen storming down the tunnel and did not join his teammates in thanking the traveling fans.

Manager Jorge Jesus acknowledged Ronaldo was "angry" but downplayed any significant issues, stating in his press conference, "There was no incident whatsoever. Any player... when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on, no-one is happy about that. Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about."

Ronaldo, who has committed to playing for Portugal despite his advancing age and recent club move, had reiterated his commitment to the national team just a week prior. He is expected to turn 42 in February and has been playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The situation marks a challenging start to the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus, who previously worked together at Al-Nassr.