Piers Morgan says Cristiano Ronaldo sent him a cutting message about Simon Jordan after the talkSPORT presenter criticised the Portugal captain during a heated radio debate.
Morgan and Jordan clashed on Wednesday over Ronaldo’s shock departure from Portugal’s training camp.
Morgan defended his friend, while Jordan questioned whether Ronaldo’s behaviour could have contributed to his repeated fallouts.
The row followed Ronaldo’s decision to leave the squad after being an unused substitute against Norway.
He later published a lengthy statement accusing manager Jorge Jesus of breaking promises over his role in the match and the explanation that would be given afterwards.
Ronaldo said he had been told he would play for 30 minutes, then warmed up without being brought on. He also said he remained available to represent Portugal after any punishment for leaving camp, and apologised for his actions after the Norway game.
Morgan revealed the alleged message later on his Football Uncensored show, saying he had sent Ronaldo a clip of the exchange with Jordan.
Piers Morgan says Cristiano Ronaldo sent him a cutting message about Simon Jordan after the talkSPORT presenter criticised the Portugal captain during a heated radio debate
|
GETTY
Reading out what he said was Ronaldo’s reply, Morgan told guest Jason Cundy: “That blond guy. Tell him to stop with the Botox. He looks like an apple.”
Morgan then added: “My breaking news from Cristiano Ronaldo – Simon Jordan, you are an apple! You smooth, suspiciously smooth-faced, apple.”
Jordan had accused Morgan of being too close to Ronaldo to assess the Portugal dispute objectively.
Five things to know about Cristiano Ronaldo | GETTY/GB NEWS
During the radio argument, he asked whether the football icon could be the “common denominator” in his clashes and accused Morgan of having a “kissing Ronaldo’s backside mentality”.
Morgan rejected the criticism and said he was proud of Ronaldo for standing up for himself.
“I think in life you have to stand up for yourself not only when you’re disrespected, but when your boss lies to you,” he said.
He added that Ronaldo was conscious of his legacy and wanted to finish his international career properly, arguing that the forward expected honesty and respect from those around him.
Ronaldo’s statement set out his version of a private conversation with Jesus and included eight points he said the coach had agreed to address publicly.
Cristiano Ronaldo could still represent Portugal in the future despite his disupute with Jorge Jesus | GETTY
Among them was an acknowledgement that it had been a mistake to have a player of Ronaldo’s stature warm up and then not bring him on.
Jesus has disputed that he agreed to make the points.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, insists he’s not retired from Portugal duty and remains hopeful of representing his country in the future.
He’s currently focused on playing for Al-Nassr, who are aiming to win the Saudi Pro League for the second year in a row.
