Cristiano Ronaldo mocks Simon Jordan in text to Piers Morgan
Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo has reportedly targeted talkSPORT broadcaster Simon Jordan in a series of private messages sent to Piers Morgan. The Al-Nassr forward, currently 41, took exception to Jordan’s criticism of his recent behaviour on international duty and decided to make a personal swipe at the pundit’s appearance.
A bizarre comparison from Saudi Arabia
According to a report by the Daily Star, Morgan revealed the private exchange during his Football Uncensored show. The television host explained that he had sent Ronaldo a clip of his heated debate with Jordan on talkSPORT, which prompted a sharp response from the veteran striker. Speaking on his programme, Morgan revealed the exact message he received from the Portugal icon:
“that blonde guy, tell him to stop with the botox, he looks like an apple”
The exchange followed a fiery on-air clash between Morgan and Jordan regarding Ronaldo’s decision to walk away from the national team.
Tempers flare over Portugal exit
The drama began when Ronaldo withdrew from the Portugal squad under new head coach Jorge Jesus, after being left on the bench during a victory against Norway in Oslo. Ronaldo claimed he had been promised at least 30 minutes of action against Erling Haaland’s side, and the broken promise led to his sudden departure.
While pundits like Rio Ferdinand and Morgan defended the legendary forward, Jordan was far less sympathetic during a talkSPORT broadcast with Jim White. Jordan questioned whether Ronaldo’s own actions were the root cause of his frequent disputes, asking Morgan if there was a common denominator in these fallouts. The former Crystal Palace owner did not hold back, telling Morgan he was a “bloody fool” if he could not see how the player’s behaviour contributed to the friction.
Jordan fires back at the striker
Jordan was quick to respond to Ronaldo’s cosmetic jibe on Thursday morning, turning his frustration back onto Morgan for constantly defending the superstar. Addressing Morgan on talkSPORT, Jordan criticised the presenter’s unwavering loyalty to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner:
“Please don’t do this, there’s no reason for you to give us an update on Ronaldo. No-one wants to hear any more of your sycophantic, biased, one-dimensional, sucking up to Ronaldo because you think he’s your friend.”
Jordan then laughed off the Portuguese star’s comments about his face, claiming he found the comparison rather complimentary. Speaking on the radio station, Jordan added:
“And Botox? I wish I could take Botox. I think it’s quite flattering”
Apologies and international uncertainty
The fallout comes at a delicate time for Ronaldo, who has apologised to supporters for his sudden international exit and asked the Portuguese Football Federation to handle any necessary sanctions. In a statement shared with his 679 million Instagram followers, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star insisted he has never tried to interfere with managerial decisions.
Explaining his decision to leave the camp, Ronaldo said:
“I felt that, from that point on, my remaining would only harm the working group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I did not feel useful: I packed my bags and left.”
Meanwhile, Portugal boss Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has stated he will review the player’s comments before making a formal response.
