Jorge Jesus denies rift as Ronaldo skips training before Dinamarca clash
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted on Wednesday that no dispute existed with veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo, even as the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) confirmed the 41‑year‑old missed the squad’s final training session ahead of the upcoming Liga das Nações fixture against Dinamarca.
Video evidence and travel plans
A Bola published a video that appeared to show Ronaldo exiting the Estádio Parken in Copenhague in a federation‑owned vehicle. The clip was recorded as the squad prepared to begin its session, and the outlet said he left shortly after Jesus announced the striker would join the training.
Spanish daily reported that Ronaldo intended to board a private flight to Madrid within the next hours. Portuguese broadcaster RTP added that a private aircraft from Madrid was scheduled to depart for Copenhague, following his departure in the federation van.
Coach’s denial and squad dynamics
Ronaldo did not feature in Portugal’s 2‑1 victory over Norway on Sunday, after Jesus told him he would be a substitute but then omitted him from the matchday squad. He trained alone at the academy on Monday and Tuesday, despite not being listed as injured.
Jorge Jesus denies Ronaldo deal, the Ballon d’Or leaves Copenhagen
In the pre‑training press conference Jesus urged reporters not to create a controversy, insisting “He did not refuse. He will train today.” He added, “It is the fourth day, so he will train. It is impossible he refused – you believe that? The Cris not.” Jesus also said he was forced to discuss a non‑existent problem, quoting Ronaldo: “I am here for you to decide. If you want me to play, I play; if you want me in the stands, I go.”
FPF president Pedro Proença flew to Copenhague on Tuesday and, altered his itinerary to meet Jesus and Ronaldo before Thursday’s Nations League clash.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all‑time top scorer with 146 goals and holds the record for most caps at 234 appearances. The 41‑year‑old told reporters last week that the media had been trying to “kill him” for years and that he could leave “today itself” if the coach no longer wanted him.
Ronaldo leaves training camp, Portugal must plan the future
The sudden absence has revived talk of an imminent international retirement, a theme echoed by French outlet L’Équipe, which noted the striker’s recent benchings against Wales and Norway and his departure from the training ground as possible signs of a final chapter.