MOURINHO DENIES COMMENTS ABOUT RONALDO, PORTUGAL, CALLS REPORTS ‘FAKE NEWS’

Portuguese manager José Mourinho has denied making reported comments about Cristiano Ronaldo and the ongoing situation surrounding the Portugal national team, describing the reports as “fake news”.

Mourinho issued the denial on Thursday, October 1, 2026, through a post on Instagram, following reports attributing remarks about the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Ronaldo and national team coach Jorge Jesus to him.

“There’s so much information about my comments on the FPF and the coach’s situation. Fake news. No comment,” Mourinho wrote.

The controversy comes amid growing attention surrounding Ronaldo’s unexpected departure from Portugal’s training camp ahead of the team’s Nations League fixture against Denmark.

The 41-year-old forward left the camp on Wednesday after discussions with FPF president Pedro Proença. His departure followed his omission from Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, in which he remained on the bench throughout the match.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had earlier defended his decision not to introduce Ronaldo against Norway, insisting that there was no serious disagreement between them.

Mourinho, who previously coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid, had also been quoted in separate reports discussing the forward’s situation. In comments reported by Brazilian media, he said Ronaldo needed to manage his ego and adapt to his current stage of his career.

However, Mourinho’s latest statement specifically rejected the reports about his alleged comments concerning the federation and the coaching situation.

The situation has continued to attract attention as questions remain over Ronaldo’s immediate future with Portugal and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the national team camp.