Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after being told he would not start against Denmark
41-year-old hints he will later reveal reasons behind his sudden national-team departure
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future has been thrown into uncertainty after the Portugal superstar left the national team camp following coach Jorge Jesus’s decision not to start him against Denmark.
The 41-year-old announced his departure late Wednesday, shortly after Jesus confirmed at a press conference that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would be omitted from the starting line-up for a second successive match.
Ronaldo had been scheduled to train with his teammates at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League encounter but instead left the squad.
“After the press conference of the national team coach, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the role of the national team,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward had remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. He had previously captained Portugal in their 1-0 home win against Wales.
While squad rotation is common in such fixtures, Ronaldo suggested there was more behind his decision to leave.
“In due time, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” he said.
“Now is time to wish Portugal and all my teammates the very best for the future, without exception.”
According to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca attempted to persuade Ronaldo to remain with the squad before he departed Copenhagen on his private jet.
Jesus Denies Rift
Before Ronaldo’s departure, Jesus insisted there was no dispute between himself and the Portuguese captain, although he acknowledged Ronaldo had been disappointed at not playing against Norway.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said.
The coach said Ronaldo had been informed before the Norway match that he would not start but could potentially be introduced as a substitute.
“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” Jesus said.
Jesus had also indicated that Goncalo Ramos was expected to start against Denmark.
“If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays,” he said.
Following Ronaldo’s departure, the Portuguese federation said preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players and that the squad remained focused on its upcoming fixtures.
Questions Over Ronaldo’s International Future
Ronaldo recently said the current season would “probably” be his final year in football, adding further uncertainty over whether his departure could mark the end of his international career.
He is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
Ronaldo made his senior international debut in 2003 and went on to captain Portugal to the Euro 2016 title. He also featured in the side that reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and has represented his country for more than two decades.
