Cristiano Ronaldo Fuels Portugal Row With Reaction to Post Criticising Team-Mates

Cristiano Ronaldo has added fuel to the row over his exit from Portugal's camp by reacting to a social media post that slammed his team-mates, the Daily Mail reports.

The Daily Mail says Ronaldo engaged with an Instagram video of former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo scolding the Portugal squad. 

"I see a grotesque difference in the players' treatment with Cristiano Ronaldo in relation to Argentina players with (Lionel) Messi," Melo said. 

"I see much more respect from the opponents who play against Cristiano Ronaldo, I think that's wrong. 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."

The row started when coach Jorge Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench as an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway last Sunday. Ronaldo then left the camp. Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 on Thursday, but the Ronaldo saga is still the main talking point.

Jesus spoke on Saturday, October 3, ahead of Sunday's game against Norway. "I can't ignore Cristiano Ronaldo topic," he said. "Cris is a symbol of the Portuguese national team. He is a symbol of Portugal. Let that be absolutely clear. After the game, answering the question, there will be plenty of time to talk about that."

Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre made a claim on El Chiringuito about what may be behind the split. He said Jesus privately said sorry to Ronaldo for making him warm up for 30 minutes without bringing him on, and promised to admit the mistake in public. Aguirre claimed Jesus did not do that at his news conference, leaving Ronaldo feeling betrayed. These claims are not confirmed.

Ronaldo could now face a ban. The disciplinary code says a player who leaves national team duty without good reason can be suspended for one to six months.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has also stepped in to discuss the situation. 

Fans and pundits are now waiting for Ronaldo to explain publicly why he left, as he has promised to do.