Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo breaks his silence after leaving the squad

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed on Wednesday evening that he had left the Portugal squad. The Portugal captain announced his decision on social media, after several days marked by his non-involvement against Norway and Jorge Jesus’ statements.

The unease began on Sunday in Oslo. Despite Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, Ronaldo remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes. Before the match, Jorge Jesus had nevertheless indicated that he was considering bringing his captain on in the second half. The head coach ultimately abandoned that option because of the way the match unfolded.

At the final whistle, Ronaldo did not join his teammates for the traditional salute to the Portuguese supporters. He headed straight to the dressing room.

Read also: Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo affair, Jorge Jesus explains

Jorge Jesus had tried to calm the situation

Speaking after the match, Jorge Jesus explained that Ronaldo had not come on because of the way the game had developed. The head coach also insisted that this was not a case of being left out and that he was still counting on the 41-year-old forward.

On Wednesday, before the trip to Denmark, Jesus returned to the subject once again. He denied that there had been an incident between the two men, while acknowledging that Ronaldo could have been disappointed after spending part of the match warming up without ultimately coming onto the pitch.

In the following hours, Ronaldo did not take part in team training and continued with individual work. The Portuguese press also reported that Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, had intervened with the player and the head coach.

Ronaldo then left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen, as his teammates were preparing to take part in another session. His departure comes on the eve of the match against Denmark.

Ronaldo promises to “tell the truth”

A few hours after the first reports of his departure, Ronaldo confirmed the decision himself on social media. He explained that he had made the decision after Jorge Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Pedro Proença.

“After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the national team camp.”

The Portuguese player did not specify what had prompted his departure. He announced that he would later return to the circumstances surrounding his decision.

“In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always devoted myself.”

Ronaldo ended his message by wishing Portugal and his teammates, “without exception,” the best of luck.

For now, the player has announced neither his international retirement nor the length of his absence. Portugal will face Denmark on Thursday in the Nations League without its captain.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Portugal

UEFA Nations League A