Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team camp in Copenhagen after a turbulent few days surrounding his relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus, with the 41-year-old saying he will later explain the reasons behind his decision.
Ronaldo confirmed his departure on Wednesday, shortly after Jesus addressed questions about the forward during his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark.
“Following the national team manager’s press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner added that he would reveal “the truth about the reasons behind my departure” in due course.
Portugal’s squad later returned to its hotel without Ronaldo, Reuters reported.
Tension followed Norway match
The situation developed after Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Jesus had told Ronaldo he was likely to feature during the second half but ultimately chose not to introduce him. The coach later said the way the match developed made the change unnecessary.
Ronaldo subsequently worked separately in the gym on Monday and Tuesday despite there being no reported injury.
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On Wednesday, Jesus denied suggestions that Ronaldo had refused to train and insisted before the session that his captain would return to group work.
“He didn’t refuse. He’s going to train today,” Jesus told reporters.
However, Ronaldo did not take part in the session and was seen leaving Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle. The federation confirmed his absence from training to Reuters.
Jesus also acknowledged speaking with Ronaldo but denied there was a major dispute between them.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença had traveled to Copenhagen on Tuesday, with Portuguese reports saying he planned discussions with both Ronaldo and Jesus before the Denmark match.
Ronaldo’s departure means Portugal will be without their captain against Denmark on Thursday. The federation said preparations will continue with the remaining 24 players.
The Al Nassr forward remains Portugal’s most-capped player with 234 appearances and the country’s record scorer with 146 goals.
His statement did not indicate whether the departure would have any longer-term impact on his international career, leaving his future with Portugal unresolved for now.
