Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp. He left halfway through the international window. UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Norway are still to come.
The 41-year-old shared a statement on Instagram. He said he made the decision after the coach’s press conference and a talk with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation. He said he will tell the Portuguese people the truth about his departure “in due time.” He added that he wished Portugal and his teammates good luck.
The news follows a comment from Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. He said he did not plan to start Ronaldo in Thursday’s game against Denmark. Ronaldo did not train on Wednesday. He also reportedly left the stadium where the team was preparing.
Jesus, who is 72, denied there was any feud. At his press conference, he said every player knows the coach makes the decisions. He said Ronaldo had told him he would accept whatever choices were made. Jesus said he had told the player he would be on the bench. He said he would use him for 30 minutes if needed, and not otherwise. He said no player, and no president, would change his mind.
Earlier on Tuesday, Portuguese newspaper Record reported that the situation had become an “internal earthquake.” It said the mood in the camp was tense and uncomfortable. Spanish newspaper Marca suggested this could mean the end of Ronaldo’s international career.
Ronaldo has played 234 games for Portugal and scored 146 goals. His role in the team has been debated for the past few years.
(Source: The Telegraph)
