Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has waded into the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s clash with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo left the Portugal national team camp after falling out with Jesus over game time, ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark.

The 41-year-old was incensed with his limited involvement after being an unused substitute against Norway and accused the 72-year-old of not telling him the truth.

Sharing his thoughts on the development on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce backed Jesus to hold his ground, drawing a comparison with Erik ten Hag’s handling of Ronaldo at Manchester United.

“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,” Allardyce said.

WDN