•Yasin

Cristiano: “At the manager’s request, a meeting subsequently took place between himself, Simão Coutinho and Tiago Craveiro by videoconference, where what we had discussed was summarised. A short document was produced, which I personally approved and which, with my knowledge, was given to the manager, just as he had requested. The press conference was what everyone knows: his attitude had nothing to do with our meeting. I heard expressions and an aggression that I believe I did not deserve, an attitude of ‘I want, I can and I command’ that he had never shown me, not remotely, in private the day before. The notes I approved were as follows: ‘I think it is important, because it is the truth, to clarify a few things before talking about Denmark: I personally proposed to CR7, without anyone else, a plan for him for this sporting season with the national team. It was a long and very good conversation. I know how much he lives for and loves the national team and the weight he carries in the world, even more so, the weight and positive influence he has had within the national team for 24 consecutive years. The plan I proposed to CR7 was accepted. He never questioned my decisions. He was exemplary, loyal and professional. The plan I designed for him did not include the Norway match. However, I felt that he had managed to recover physically from the first match and I warned him that I might have to use him. CR7 agreed. I made a mistake by making someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona warm up and then not putting him into the game. If I had to do it again, I would not. To put an end to the matter: I want CR7 in the national team. In fact, I don’t just want him a little, I want him very much. Fortunately, he also believes in me. He believed in me at Al Nassr and he believes in me here too. Regarding not greeting the supporters. We have already spoken about that. Someone who has played more than 230 matches for the national team does not need lessons from me about loving Portugal. It was a moment of frustration that erases nothing. He is the player who signs the most autographs, takes the most selfies and shows the most affection to supporters. Let’s not invent problems where none exist. When we are unhappy, we react. That was all.’ None of these notes said, therefore, that the manager had even apologised to me. It was the second time he had broken his word to me. I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for another broken promise. For me, the truth is still the most important thing in relationships between people. No matter how painful it may be, tell me the truth. In fact, in a conversation I had with the President of the FPF and the manager on the morning of the day of that press conference, I clearly reaffirmed that if they did not want me there, they should simply tell me. They only needed to be honest with me. I would accept it, and I promised that we would prepare something beautiful, as I dream it should happen, and nobody would be angry. I remember it as if it were today. They both answered together: no. That my place was in the national team. Never, at any point, have I interfered in any technical or tactical decision made by any coach or national team manager during almost 25 years of my career. I accept, whether better or worse, what I am asked to do. I respect the decision, and when someone breaks their word to me, I feel that my place is no longer there. I must also apologise to my national team teammates for leaving the training camp. Despite the absolute breakdown of trust in the manager’s word, as anyone who witnessed these conversations can testify, I should not have done it. The responsibility is entirely mine. I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but a broken promise has, for me, a defining impact. I felt that, from that point onwards, my presence would only harm the group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I no longer felt useful: I packed my bags and left.