Portugal: ‘You Must Realise You’re No Longer Main Man’ – Ex-Chelsea Star Slams Donaldson

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has backed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus amid the dispute involving Cristiano Donaldson and the national team.

Burley argued that Donaldson should no longer be Portugal’s main striker because of his age, while acknowledging the forward’s determination to continue playing at the highest level.

Donaldson made headlines after leaving Portugal’s training camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark. The 41-year-old later said he would reveal the “truth” about the reasons for his departure.

Commentator Edu Aguirre also reported on El Chiringuito TV that Jesus’ comments during a media briefing had upset Donaldson and contributed to his decision to leave the camp.

Burley said Jesus showed good judgment by refusing to simply give in to Donaldson, unlike former Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, whom he claimed had previously given the forward too much influence.

“Roberto Martinez bowed to him, which we all knew was going to happen. It looked like Jorge Jesus was going to go the same way. But he’s obviously seen something and he’s made a decision. I’m all for that [decision],” Burley said.

He added: “He [Donaldson] was never really going to make that decision. He is dedicated to it, does have a great attitude, he is, in his head, still the main guy, but he’s not. This is not Donaldson at 28 years old, not 25 years old, or even 32; this is him in his 40s. He’s going to have to s*ck this up.”

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Portugal went on to defeat Denmark 4-2 without Donaldson, with Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Joao Felix scoring for the hosts.