Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, has expressed her sadness over her son’s departure from Portugal’s national team camp, saying the player has not received the recognition he deserves.
Speaking to Portuguese magazine TV 7 Dias, Aveiro described the situation as a shock and criticized the way the 41-year-old left the camp on September 30. “My son could have left through the front door, but instead he went out through the back door. But it’s alright, God will take care of it,” she said.
Aveiro also defended her son’s contribution to Portuguese football, saying he has long been a national hero who deserves greater appreciation.“He has always been Portugal’s hero. They are not valuing him the way they should,” Cristiano’s mother added.
The controversy follows a disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal national team head coach Jorge Jesus. The incident began after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo on September 27, when Ronaldo stayed on the bench despite warming up for around half an hour. The player later accused the coach of breaking his word, saying he had expected to play but was never called onto the pitch.
Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp in Copenhagen, raising questions about his relationship with the coaching staff and his future with Portugal. However, he has not announced his retirement from international football.
Meanwhile, Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges hails Ronaldo’s impact on the sport, describing his influence as global. Borges also said the player should decide for himself when and how he ends his international career.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner began his professional career at Sporting CP before becoming one of the most recognizable and influential figures in world football. His departure from the national team camp has now drawn attention not only to his disagreement with Portugal’s head coach but also to the way his long career with the national team is being viewed.
