Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal's national team training camp ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark. In a statement posted on social media on Wednesday, the Portugal captain confirmed his decision, citing a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and the national team coach's press conference. Ronaldo's departure brings a dramatic turn to the controversy surrounding his relationship with new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo's decision follows growing tension surrounding his involvement with the Portugal squad. The veteran forward was left on the bench for the entirety of Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, despite having started the team's previous match against Wales. He subsequently did not train fully with the rest of the squad, with the Portuguese Football Federation saying he had been carrying out individual gym work.
Portuguese media reports had linked the situation to frustration over his lack of playing time, particularly after he was left unused against Norway despite having warmed up during the match. Reuters reported that the episode contributed to tensions surrounding the player and the coaching staff. Jesus, however, sought to play down suggestions of a major dispute, insisting during his pre-match press conference in Copenhagen that there was no serious problem between himself and Ronaldo.
Jesus explained that he had previously informed Ronaldo that he would not play in the matches against Norway and Denmark because of the player's physical condition and the demands of Portugal's schedule. Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo's decision not to play against Norway had been complicated by the fact that he was asked to warm up during the game. According to the coach, he had initially intended to rest Ronaldo but considered using him during the match before ultimately deciding against it.
The situation had also prompted increased involvement from Proença, who travelled to Copenhagen earlier than originally planned amid uncertainty surrounding the Portugal camp. Portuguese reports said the federation president was expected to help mediate the situation involving Ronaldo and Jesus. Earlier reports from RTP and Observador had suggested that Ronaldo and Jesus had held a conversation and resolved their disagreement before Proença arrived in Copenhagen.
However, Ronaldo's subsequent departure from the camp indicates that the situation remained unresolved from the captain's perspective, although the precise details of what transpired between the player, coach and federation leadership have not been publicly established. Despite the dramatic nature of his statement, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football. His message specifically referred to leaving the current training camp and did not state that he was ending his Portugal career.
Ronaldo remains Portugal's all-time leading scorer in men's international football, with 146 goals, according to Sportsnet, and has continued to pursue the landmark of 1,000 career goals. His departure means Portugal will be without its captain for Thursday's Nations League encounter with Denmark unless there is a subsequent change in circumstances. Portugal enter the Denmark encounter with six points from their opening two matches in Nations League Group A4.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal's national team training camp ahead of UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark
- Ronaldo's departure follows growing tension surrounding his involvement with the Portugal squad
- Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football
