Ronaldo made headlines ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark after reportedly leaving the national team’s training facility. The veteran forward later said he would reveal the “truth” about his departure to his supporters.
Reports subsequently claimed that Jesus had angered Ronaldo after allegedly failing to honour a commitment made to the Portugal captain, with comments during a media briefing also said to have contributed to the dispute.
Burley, however, said Jesus made the right decision by refusing to simply accommodate Ronaldo, unlike his predecessor, Roberto Martinez.
Speaking on ESPN FC, the former Scotland international argued that Ronaldo’s age should be considered when determining his role in the national team.
“Roberto Martinez bowed to him, which we all knew was going to happen. It looked like Jorge Jesus was going to go the same way. But he’s obviously seen something and he’s made a decision. I’m all for that,” Burley said.
He added that his position was based on what he described as an objective assessment of Ronaldo’s current stage of his career rather than hostility towards the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“The objective analysis from the mainstream was that a guy in his 40s can’t continue to lead the line for one of the supposed major countries in European football, if not the world,” he said.
Burley acknowledged Ronaldo’s determination and commitment to continuing his career but insisted that the forward is no longer the same player he was in his 20s or early 30s.
“He is dedicated to it, does have a great attitude, he is, in his head, still the main guy, but he’s not. This is not Ronaldo at 28 years old, not 25 years old, or even 32; this is him in his 40s. He’s going to have to suck this up,” he added.
Portugal went on to beat Denmark 4-2 in Ronaldo’s absence, with goals from Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Joao Felix.
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