Portugal: ‘Someone had to say it’ – Allardyce backs brave manager over Ronaldo exit

Former Bolton Wanderers manager, Sam Allardyce has backed Portugal head coach, Jorge Jesus over Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent exit from the national team.

Allardyce believes Jesus is “brave” enough to tell Ronaldo that he must leave the Portugal team.

Ronaldo walked out of the national team’s camp before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.

The Al-Nassr forward accused the Portugal manager of not telling the truth about his involvement in the team’s matches.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce said: “We have to remember that Ronaldo was moved on at Manchester United to get rid of him.

“So, the manager had to bite the bullet and take all the criticism because he felt that, in the system he wanted to play, Ronaldo was already too old to offer what he was looking for.

“Sooner or later, someone has to say it, and this manager [Jorge Jesus] is brave enough to tell him he needs to go.”

Portugal: ‘Someone had to say it’ – Allardyce backs brave manager over Ronaldo exit