COPENHAGEN – Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s international training camp ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark, saying he will expla...
COPENHAGEN – Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s international training camp ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark, saying he will explain the reasons for his departure “in time”.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain announced his decision on social media on Wednesday after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
“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 said.
He added that he would later explain the circumstances behind his decision.
“In time, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself,” Ronaldo said, while wishing Portugal and his teammates good luck.
Ronaldo’s departure follows several days of uncertainty over his role under new Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo did not play in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, despite warming up during the match after Jesus had indicated that he could come on as a substitute.
He subsequently trained separately from the squad, working in the gym on Monday and Tuesday despite not being reported as injured.
Jesus denied that there was a dispute between him and Ronaldo during his press conference on Wednesday.
The coach said Ronaldo had not refused to train and insisted that there had been no major incident between them.
Jesus also said he had told Ronaldo that he would not start against Denmark but could be used as a substitute if required.
“I’m the coach,” Jesus said, explaining that the decision over Ronaldo’s playing time was his responsibility.
Reports of tension between the pair intensified after Ronaldo was left unused against Norway.
The situation also prompted Proença to travel to Copenhagen and speak with those involved before Portugal’s next match.
The Portuguese Football Federation later confirmed that Ronaldo had left the camp and said preparations would continue with the remaining 24 squad members.
Portugal is scheduled to face Denmark on Thursday before hosting Norway on Sunday in the Nations League.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record international goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country.
His departure does not amount to an announcement that he has retired from international football.
Ronaldo has previously said he was considering his future with Portugal after the 2026 World Cup, but he has not announced his retirement from the national team.
The circumstances surrounding his latest departure remain unclear pending his promised explanation.
