Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp following a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus addressed the media.
Ronaldo announced his departure in a statement, saying he would reveal the reasons behind his decision to leave the national team “in due time”.
The development came after Jesus dismissed reports of a dispute with Ronaldo, insisting that the captain had not refused to train and that there were no issues between them.
“Cristiano Ronaldo did not refuse to train,” Jesus said. “There are no issues. Cristiano told me: if you want me to play, I’ll play. If you want me to sit on the bench, I will. If you want me in the stands, I will.”
“Status does not give special rights”.
“I don’t have just one player. I have 23 players. Our mission is to
win the Nations League. Cristiano Ronaldo is ’ . Denmark is”, Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said.
“When a player warms up for 20 or 30 minutes and doesn’t come on, nobody is happy. . Much less Pelé or Maradona… That’s obvious.”
“A player’s status does not give him special rights. Status is about respecting their careers. I explain the plan to my players, and then I’m the one who decides.”
However, shortly after the press conference, Ronaldo spoke with Proença and subsequently decided to leave the camp.
In his statement, the veteran forward said he had always dedicated himself to the national team and thanked his teammates, while wishing Portugal success.
“Now it’s time to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception,” Ronaldo said.
The circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s departure remain unclear, with the Portugal captain indicating that he will provide his reasons at a later time.