Romario Backs Ronaldo's Portugal Walkout: 'I Would Have Done Exactly the Same'

Brazil legend Romario has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his row with Portugal boss Jorge Jesus, saying the forward was right to leave the camp.

Speaking on the Charla Podcast, the 1994 World Cup winner said Ronaldo felt disrespected. "Cristiano seems a very objective person," he said.

The row began during Portugal's Nations League camp. The 41-year-old was left on the bench against Norway even though he warmed up. After a private meeting, he left the squad before the Denmark game and accused Jesus of breaking his word twice and acting aggressively in public. 

Ronaldo later apologised to his team-mates and the fans, while Jesus defended his right to pick his team. Ronaldo had started the opening 1-0 win over Wales and was substituted.

Romario said he has no problem with Jesus himself. "I like Jorge Jesus. I had a relationship with him when he coached Flamengo. I met him five or six times and he was always a great person," he said. But that did not change his view of the dispute.

He said Ronaldo should not have to put up with being embarrassed in public more than once. "They say he left the national team. Of course. He already went through a humiliation once. Why was he going to go through a second?" he asked.

[Ronaldo SHUTS Door on Portugal as Jorge Jesus Remains in Charge]

The 60-year-old also said Jesus failed to follow through on what had been agreed for his press conference. 

"They had agreed on some things for him to say in the press conference, and he said absolutely nothing. According to Ronaldo, he was arrogant and left Cristiano exposed," he said.

Romario believes it left Ronaldo feeling he no longer mattered. "In those circumstances, he felt like a discredited person, like someone who no longer had any relevance, and that's why he left. I would have done exactly the same thing," he said.

He ended with typical bluntness, saying Ronaldo's only mistake was not going sooner. "First of all, I would have slammed the door and left. His mistake was not leaving. His mistake was not telling that guy to go to hell sooner," he said.

Ronaldo has 234 caps and 146 goals for Portugal. He won Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles with the team.