Ronaldo's wife deletes fake Ferguson quote after dig at Portugal boss

Cristiano Ronaldo's wife swiftly deleted a social media post criticising Portugal manager Jorge Jesus which used fake quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo has caused a storm in Portugal after abandoning the national team in the middle of their current Nations League international break. The Al-Nassr star fell out with Jesus after being left on the bench for a 2-1 win over Norway and has left his international career in major doubt.

The 41-year-old held a crisis meeting with the Portuguese FA before leaving and posting a statement on social media which promised he would "tell all" about what had happened "in time".

His disagreement with veteran manager Jesus, who also coached him at Al-Nassr last season, has dominated the build-up to Portugal's second match against Norway on Sunday night. And Rodriguez's post to her 78million Instagram followers grabbed the attention of fans.

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Rodriguez shared a post claiming to quote former Manchester United manager Ferguson. It read: "If Jorge Jesus knew in his heart that he had no intention of using him, then why did he call him up in the first place? To make a point? That’s not authority, that’s insecurity."

In a caption, Rodriguez added: "I don’t know how this man (Jesus) can carry the name of Christ." It was only online for a matter of minutes before disappearing from her Instagram story on Saturday night. It is unclear why she deleted the post, but the quotes from Ronaldo's ex-United manager Ferguson are fake.

Ronaldo had stayed in Europe over the past few days, hinting that a bridge could be built between Portugal's all-time record goalscorer and the manager. But he is reportedly planning to take a private jet back to Saudi Arabia and focus on club football in Riyadh.

Jesus has taken a firm stance on the superstar striker, who boasts 146 goals in 234 caps. The 72-year-old has made it clear that Goncalo Ramos is his preferred option up front and that Ronaldo would have to learn to play second fiddle.

“The focus has to be on the national team above all else,” Jesus told a press conference on Saturday. “Regarding Norway, what we have to do well is for our people to also be in tune with the flag and the objective. Ronaldo is a symbol of the national team and of Portugal. After the game, there is plenty of time to talk about that.”

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes revealed he had spoken to Ronaldo, but would continue to toe the line. “I had a conversation with Cris," the Manchester United captain said. "What I told him is that the most important thing, regardless of what happens, is that he will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team and country, for everything he has done in Portugal and around the world.

“He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of the Portuguese people. We cannot divide ourselves; the national team is one, and all parties should resolve their issues behind closed doors."