Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp ahead of their Nations League game against Denmark on Thursday. He announced the decision on Instagram after the coach’s press conference, following reports of a rift between the two.
Ronaldo made the announcement when he posted this statement today:
“After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the National Team training camp.
In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”
What the coach said
Trouble began after Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway, when Ronaldo stayed on the bench throughout the game before going straight to the dressing room, clearly frustrated. Jesus admitted he had told Ronaldo he would probably play, but changed his mind because of how the match went. He said any player would be upset by that, but he did not apologise. “I can promise whatever I want, I’m the coach,” he told reporters.
Jesus also said a player of Ronaldo’s stature deserves a different kind of attention from coaches because of his career. At the same time, he denied there had been any incident between them. He said Ronaldo had not refused to train and firmly stated that no player would make him change his mind.
Jesus said he was “obligated” to meet Ronaldo because of the noise the story had created in Portugal. Reports from Marca say Ronaldo left the stadium soon after Jesus told the media he would train.
Ronaldo started Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday but was taken off in the 67th minute. He is 41 and Portugal’s record scorer and most-capped player. No one has said whether this is a short break or the end of his time with the national team.
