Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal's international training camp, the player announced on social media. This decision comes after reports of a rift with the team's head coach, Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo, Portugal's captain and a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, had been included in Jesus' 25-man squad for the current international break. He started in the Nations League game against Wales but did not feature in the subsequent match against Norway.
Jorge Jesus had addressed the media earlier, dismissing claims of a rift with Ronaldo. According to Jesus, there was no incident involving the player. Jesus explained that Ronaldo had been told before the Norway match that he would not start but might be brought on later. The coach decided not to bring Ronaldo on, which Jesus considered a normal coaching decision. Jesus also clarified that Ronaldo had not refused to train but was instead doing individual exercises for mobility and strengthening.
Despite Jesus' assurances, Ronaldo did not train with his teammates on the day he left the camp. Portuguese media shared a video of Ronaldo leaving the stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff. Later, Ronaldo took to Instagram to confirm his departure from the national team training camp. He stated that he would reveal the reasons for his decision in time.
Ronaldo's departure follows a season where he has been chasing his 1,000th career goal. The player had considered retiring from international football after the World Cup but decided to continue. His current club, Al-Nassr, is coached by Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at the Saudi club. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo's departure, stating that the remaining 24 squad members would continue preparations for their upcoming Nations League matches.
The Portuguese team is set to face Denmark in their next Nations League match. Jesus had indicated that Goncalo Ramos, who scored the winner against Norway, would again be preferred to Ronaldo. The coach stated that he would bring Ronaldo on if needed, but not if he didn't require him. The federation emphasized that the team remains focused on their objectives.
Ronaldo's decision to leave the camp has sparked significant attention, given his stature in Portuguese football. The player has a history of making bold statements and decisions regarding his career. His announcement on Instagram expressed his wish for his teammates good luck in their forthcoming games.
The situation surrounding Ronaldo's departure will likely continue to unfold, with the player's reasons for leaving the camp yet to be fully disclosed. The Portuguese Football Federation and the team will aim to maintain focus on their upcoming matches amidst the controversy.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal's international training camp amid reported rift with coach Jorge Jesus.
- Ronaldo cites reasons to be revealed later for his departure.
- The incident has sparked significant attention given Ronaldo's stature in Portuguese football.
