Jesus comments on Ronaldo's departure from the national team camp: He is a symbol of Portugal

- Jorge Jesus, the coach of the Portugal national team, stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is considered a "symbol" of the team and his country. Ronaldo left the national team's camp last Wednesday without revealing the reasons for his departure.

At that time, the 41-year-old only said via his Instagram account: "After the press conference of the national team coach (Jorge Jesus) and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (Pedro Proença), I decided to leave the national team camp." He added: "In due time, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, which I have always been committed to."

He continued: "Now it is time for me to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates without exception." Jesus was asked in a press conference on Saturday about Ronaldo's departure, to which he replied: "The focus should be on the national team, in everything, and regarding Norway, what we need to do is ensure our fans' harmony and alignment with us and the desired goal."

He added: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a symbol of the national team, of Portugal; after the match (against Norway), there will be plenty of time to talk about that." He further stated: "Football is decided day by day, match by match; tomorrow's match is the most important, a match that is expected to be performed well, that is what I aspire to, the focus right now is on the match against Norway."

The Portugal national team, under the leadership of Jorge Jesus, will face Norway at home on Sunday, as part of the fourth round of the UEFA Nations League.