Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team's training camp in Denmark after coach Jorge Jesus told reporters that he would not start in their next match. Ronaldo had been due to train with his teammates at the Parken stadium in Copenhagen but departed abruptly following Jesus's press conference. The move comes after Ronaldo spent the entire match on the bench against Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo announced his departure on Instagram, stating that he had decided to leave the training camp after a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president. He expressed his dedication to the national team and hinted that he would reveal the reasons for his departure in due course. Ronaldo wished his teammates good luck in their upcoming Nations League clash against Denmark.
Coach Jorge Jesus had insisted that there was no rift between him and Ronaldo, acknowledging that his captain was disappointed to remain on the bench against Norway. Jesus explained that he had told Ronaldo before the match that he would not be in the starting lineup but might bring him on towards the end of the game. The coach decided not to bring Ronaldo on, citing it as a normal coaching decision.
Jesus clarified that Ronaldo had not refused to train on Tuesday, as some media outlets had suggested, but had done individual exercises for physical mobility and strengthening. The coach had planned for Ronaldo to train normally on Wednesday, but the forward left the stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff after Jesus's press conference.
Portuguese media reported that Ronaldo's private jet was heading to Copenhagen, and a video showed him leaving the Parken stadium. The Portuguese federation released a brief statement confirming that Ronaldo had not trained. Jesus had indicated that he would start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos, who scored the winner against Norway, in the match against Denmark.
At 41, Ronaldo has announced that this season will likely be his last year in football. He is Portugal's leading goalscorer and most capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. Ronaldo's departure from the training camp has sparked significant attention, given his stature in the team and the upcoming Nations League match.
The incident has raised questions about Ronaldo's future with the national team and his relationship with coach Jorge Jesus. As the situation unfolds, fans and pundits will be watching closely to see how this drama affects Portugal's performance in the Nations League.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal training camp after coach Jorge Jesus says he won't play in next match
- Ronaldo and Jesus had differing views on the player's role in the team
- The incident raises questions about Ronaldo's future with the national team
