Cristiano Ronaldo has drawn fresh attention after liking an Instagram post in which former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo criticised the Portugal forward’s national team colleagues for showing him less respect than opponents do.
The move comes days after Ronaldo left the Portugal training camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old had expected to come off the bench in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Norway but remained unused. He then missed Thursday’s 4-2 victory against Denmark and will also sit out Sunday’s return fixture with Norway.
In a statement after departing, Ronaldo said: “In due course, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been dedicated. Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”
Melo’s comments, shared on the Sportv channel, focused on the contrast with Lionel Messi’s treatment by Argentina players and the respect Ronaldo receives from rivals. “I see a grotesque difference in the players’ treatment with Cristiano Ronaldo in relation to Argentina players with Messi,” Melo said. “I see much more respect from the opponents who play against Cristiano Ronaldo, I think that’s wrong.”
He added: “No one reaches the level of Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s unacceptable. You can’t let the best player in history leave like that, as if nothing had happened. You can’t.”
Sportv confirmed that Ronaldo’s official Instagram account, which has more than 679 million followers, liked the post. The endorsement has raised questions about relations within the squad at a sensitive moment.
Some Portugal players have publicly supported Jesus. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha praised the coach’s impact after the win over Denmark.
Ronaldo’s international future remains uncertain after the latest developments.
