Zidane Defends Ronaldo After Portugal Exit: ‘He Should Be Congratulated’

France boss Zinedine Zidane has come out in support of Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the forward should be congratulated for his career and not written off because of his dramatic exit from the Portugal squad.

Zidane spoke at a press conference ahead of France's Nations League game with Belgium. He was asked about Ronaldo leaving the Portugal camp in Copenhagen after a falling out with coach Jorge Jesus. Some people have suggested the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is heading for a sad end to his time with his country, but Zidane did not agree.

"No, I think he should be congratulated on his great career. What he did is exceptional," Zidane said.

He pointed to their time together at Real Madrid, where he coached Ronaldo between 2016 and 2018. The club dominated Europe in that spell, and Zidane said he still feels grateful for what the player gave the team.

"I was lucky to have him with me and he made me win incredible things, so I take my hat off to Cristiano," he said.

"I will always have great respect for him, as for all players, but even more so for those with whom I shared so much time, and in particular Cristiano, who made us win so much."

Zidane's own start as France coach has gone well. His side won away to Turkey and Belgium and drew at home with Italy in Paris. He was also asked how the job differs from managing a club, and said the pace is not the same.

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"Perhaps the difference is that at a club it never stops; it is day to day, it is very all-consuming," Zidane said. "I loved doing that, and now I have another side to it and I will try to do it this way, which will be a little different. But in any case, the desire to work well around my team is the same."

His focus now is to keep France unbeaten and finish top of their Nations League group. Still, much of the attention remains on Ronaldo, who has promised to share the truth about why he left the Portugal camp.