Ronaldo's Mother Heartbroken After Son's Portugal Camp Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother, Dolores Aveiro, says she is heartbroken and frustrated after her son left the Portugal camp following a breakdown in his relationship with coach Jorge Jesus.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet TV 7 Dias, she admitted the family is finding it hard to take in. 

"I am sad, it's normal. It was a shock. My son could have left through the front door, but instead he went out through the back door," she said. "But it's alright, God will take care of it. I cried a little. It's also good to let go. We must now move forward."

Ronaldo left the squad on September 30, just before the Nations League game against Denmark. The row started in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo. He was told to warm up through the second half but never came on, and he felt let down.

His mother thinks he deserves better. "He has always been Portugal's hero. They are not valuing him the way they should," she said.

Ronaldo later put out a long statement. He said he had agreed to stay with the national team after the World Cup at the request of the FPF president. A plan was set up to manage his fitness, with him playing the first and last games of each window and being subbed regularly. He claims Jesus broke that plan almost at once by asking him to play in Norway and then leaving him on the bench. 

Ronaldo’s mother reveals heartbreak over Portugal exit

"I had been warming up since halftime. I watched the minutes go by, and they never called me. The coach had not kept his word," he said.

He also said sorry to his team-mates and the Portuguese public for how he left, and accepted the blame for his departure. The door is not shut, either. He says that if he stays fit and keeps performing for his club, he will make himself available again once any suspension has been served.

His mother says he tried to calm her down on the phone. "Hey Mum, don't stress, I'll reveal everything once we're all back together," he reportedly told her.