Portuguese football captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the team's training camp in Denmark following a statement from coach Jorge Jesus indicating that Ronaldo would not start the upcoming Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo was expected to train with his teammates at the Parken stadium in Copenhagen but departed abruptly after Jesus's press conference. The decision to leave was announced by Ronaldo himself on Instagram.
The controversy began after Ronaldo spent the entire match on the bench against Norway on Sunday. Jesus had informed Ronaldo before the match that he would not be in the starting line-up but might be brought on later in the game. However, Jesus decided not to bring Ronaldo on, which reportedly led to Ronaldo's dissatisfaction. Jesus emphasized that there was no rift between him and Ronaldo, acknowledging that any player would be unhappy about not being substituted into the game.
Jesus explained that Ronaldo had conducted individual exercises for physical mobility and strengthening on Tuesday, which some Portuguese media outlets had misinterpreted as Ronaldo refusing to train. The coach had initially stated that Ronaldo would train as normal on Wednesday. Despite this, Ronaldo left the stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff immediately after Jesus's press conference, with his private jet reportedly heading to Copenhagen.
In response to Ronaldo's departure, the Portuguese Football Federation released a statement confirming that Ronaldo had left the squad's training camp. The federation emphasized that preparations for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Norway would continue as planned with the remaining 24 squad members. The delegation reportedly remains focused on achieving their established objectives.
Ronaldo expressed his dedication to the national team and hinted that he would reveal the reasons for his departure to the Portuguese people in due course. He wished his teammates good luck for their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Jesus reiterated that there was no incident between him and Ronaldo, comparing the situation to any player being disappointed about not being substituted into a game.
The Portuguese coach also mentioned that he intended to start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos for the Denmark match, as Ramos had scored the winning goal against Norway. Jesus insisted that his decision was not a cause for concern and that the team's preparation was proceeding normally.
The situation has garnered significant attention, with Portuguese media outlets covering Ronaldo's departure and the potential implications for the team. The focus now shifts to Portugal's upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark and Norway, with the team aiming to achieve their objectives despite the current controversy.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp after coach Jorge Jesus announced that he would be dropped for the next match.
- The dispute arose from Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with not being substituted into the game against Norway.
- Portugal's preparations for the upcoming Nations League matches continue with the remaining 24 squad members.
