Ronaldo likes IG post mocking Portugal team-mates after quiting Nations League
Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared to show support for criticism of Portugal’s treatment of him after liking a controversial Instagram post aimed at his national-team colleagues.
The Al-Nassr forward was among the users who liked a video featuring former Brazil international Felipe Melo criticising Portugal following their Nations League victory over Denmark.
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Ronaldo’s social-media activity comes days after he left Portugal’s camp following a reported disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.
Melo compares Ronaldo and Messi treatment
Melo used his post-match comments to question the way Ronaldo has been treated by Portugal, comparing it with the respect Lionel Messi receives from Argentina’s opponents.
“I see a grotesque difference in the players’ treatment with Cristiano Ronaldo in relation to Argentina players with [Lionel] Messi,” Melo said.
“No one reaches the level of Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s unacceptable. You can’t let the best player in history leave like that, as if nothing had happened. You can’t.”
A clip of Melo’s comments was subsequently shared on Instagram, with Ronaldo appearing among those who had liked the post.
The development comes after Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
He reportedly sought talks with Jesus before leaving the national-team camp, although the full details of their disagreement have not been made public.
Ronaldo promises to reveal reasons for exit
Ronaldo later issued a statement confirming his departure and suggested he would eventually explain what led to the decision.
“After the press conference of the national team coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team camp,” Ronaldo said.
“In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always devoted myself.”
He added: “Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates good luck, without exception.”
Ronaldo subsequently missed Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark.
Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund, a former Manchester United teammate of Ronaldo, scored in the match and celebrated with Ronaldo’s trademark “Siu” celebration.
The Portugal captain has previously experienced tensions with the national team, including his fallout with former manager Fernando Santos during the 2022 World Cup.