ALT The notes I had approved were as follows: ‘I think it is important, because it is the truth, to clarify a few things before talking about Denmark: I myself, and no one else, proposed a plan to Cristiano for this season with the national team. It was a long and very good conversation. I know how much he lives and breathes the national team and the stature he has in the world — and, even more importantly, the weight and positive influence he has had on the national team for 24 consecutive years. Cristiano accepted the plan I proposed to him. He never questioned my decisions. He was exemplary, loyal and professional. The plan I laid out for him did not include the Norway match. However, I felt that he had managed to recover physically from the first match and told him that I might need to use him. Cristiano agreed. I made a mistake by asking someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona to warm up and then not putting him into the game. If it happened today, I would not do it.
