Cristiano Ronaldo 'ready to explode' as Jorge Jesus bust-up takes new twist

Cristiano Ronaldo has created a toxic environment within the Portugal camp as his clash with manager Jorge Jesus continues.

The 41-year-old stormed out during the international break, and has continued to kick off after a long message was shared with his supporters as he spoke out against the boss.

He was allegedly made promises by Jesus which weren't kept, leading to his refusal to represent his country, and the fallout from that has continued over the next days.

Former Man United coach Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ronaldo's situation is not done yet and could still explode, with suggestions Jesus could be sacked as a result.

The boss has been steadfast in his decision-making, and has explained the door remains open for the legendary forward to return, but that is unlikely while he remains in charge.

In the week where his rival Lionel Messi underwent his emotional bow with the Argentina national team, Ronaldo's continued complaints are causing issues for his country.

Why has Cristiano Ronaldo exploded on social media?

Brown told Football Insider on 5 October that Ronaldo's latest behaviour is "embarrassing" and has led to suggestions he could call time on his career with Portugal.

The 41-year-old left his country's Nations League camp after he was an unused substitute against Norway and was told he would not start their game against Denmark.

Since then, his social media rant and continued discussions surrounding the issue have only heightened the situation, with a feeling things could still be set to explode.

"This Ronaldo thing is going to be one to watch for a while yet, I don't think it's over," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's speaking out against the manager because he was promised he would play certain minutes, and that situation changed, but he clearly isn't going to accept that.

"I don't think it's done yet, the whole thing feels ready to explode because he's not going to back down from his view.

"We'll see how much Portugal are desperate to back Ronaldo, or whether they could call his bluff and say 'fine, don't come back', and back the manager instead.

"It's difficult because of who he is, the status he has and the admiration he carries, but ultimately the manager has to do what's best for his team, not for Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He can't make decisions because this player who, let's face it, isn't at his best any more, wants to call the shots behind the scenes.

"But the whole thing has gone too far already and there could still be more to come, because the manager is being called into question now. Let's wait and see what happens."

Why Ronaldo's Man United exit was a warning sign

This latets outburst is nothing new from Ronaldo, having left the majority of his previous clubs under a cloud, including Real Madrid, Juventus and notably Man United.

He left Old Trafford following a very public bust-up with then-manager Erik ten Hag over the direction he felt the club was heading in, and ultimately had his contract terminated.

Football Insider revealed earlier this year that Ronaldo could have faced a similar fate at Al Nassr, where he previously went on strike to protest the lack of investment in the squad.

Those issues are now spilling over into his international career, where Jesus is now at risk of losing his job as a result of the conflict from the forward's latest strop.

Given his age and reputation, Ronaldo's actions have been widely criticised, and the concerns about his outbursts actually go back to his first spell at Old Trafford.