Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his commitment to the Portugal national team, dispelling rumors of his retirement. In a statement, Ronaldo said he has no plans to retire from international football and will remain available for Portugal after serving his suspension. This development comes after a recent dispute with the team's coach, which led to Ronaldo's departure from the national team camp.
According to Ronaldo, the dispute began when the coach suggested that he skip Portugal's away trips, a proposal he rejected. Ronaldo claimed that the coach had initially told him in August that he would play in both the first and final matches of the international camp. However, the coach later changed his mind, asking Ronaldo to play for only 30 minutes in a match against Norway. Ronaldo said he agreed to play, but was not called upon, leading to a breakdown in trust.
Ronaldo admitted that he made a mistake by failing to greet fans after the match and apologized for his actions. He also revealed that he and the coach had discussed the incident in the presence of Simão Coutinho, agreeing that the coach would explain to the media that the decision came from him and not Ronaldo. However, Ronaldo claimed that the coach did not follow this agreement during a subsequent press conference, leading to further tension.
Despite the dispute, Ronaldo stressed that he had never interfered with technical decisions during his nearly 25-year international career. He emphasized that he could not continue in a situation where the coach repeatedly broke agreements. Ronaldo accepted responsibility for leaving the camp and apologized to his teammates, expecting the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to punish him without considering mitigating circumstances.
Ronaldo's commitment to Portugal was reinforced by his recollection of a difficult period in his life, when he stayed with the team after his father's death until their next match. He said he made this decision because of his commitment to the country. The forward then made his plans clear, saying he will return to the national team when he becomes available after his suspension.
The FPF president had asked Ronaldo to reconsider his decision to leave the national team after the World Cup, and also sought his opinion on the appointment of the current coach. Ronaldo said he supported the coach's appointment, but the recent dispute has raised questions about the team's dynamics. The incident has sparked a heated debate about Ronaldo's role in the team and his relationship with the coach.
Ronaldo concluded by stating that he wants to continue competing for Portugal, saying "the national team, for me, means competing." He added that if he is fit, he will be available to compete and win for Portugal, reaffirming his commitment to the team. With this statement, Ronaldo has put to rest speculation about his retirement and demonstrated his dedication to the Portugal national team.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he will continue playing for Portugal national team despite recent dispute with coach.
