Ronaldo and Portugal in crisis, superstar leaves training camp
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41‑year‑old striker of Portugal, confirmed on Wednesday his departure from the national training camp via an Instagram post, after he had not trained the evening before the Nations League clash against Denmark and had flown to Madrid. He said he would later tell the truth about his decision.
Conflict with national team coach Jorge Jesus
The disagreement between Ronaldo and national team coach Jorge Jesus has been visible for several days. Jesus stated that Ronaldo did not refuse to train and that there was nothing wrong with him. Later Jesus said that he makes the decision about playing minutes himself and that no player or chairman can influence him.
Ronaldo spent ninety minutes on the bench during the Nations League match against Norway, which Portugal lost 1‑2. He visibly showed displeasure about the decision not to start. In the earlier match against Wales he was in the starting lineup and was substituted after 67 minutes, after which Portugal won 1‑0.
Via an Instagram post Ronaldo wrote that after the press conference and a conversation with the chairman of the Portuguese Football Federation he had left the training camp. He promised to later tell the truth about the reasons for his departure. Finally he wished Portugal and all his teammates much success.
Ronaldo's bench fury prompts urgent talk with Jesus in Malmo
Ronaldo's future with Portugal uncertain
Ronaldo did not train with the national squad on Wednesday and then departed with his private jet to Madrid. Nevertheless he traveled with the team to Denmark, where the next Nations League clash takes place on Thursday. He did not give any thanks to the travelling fans.
For now it is unclear whether the international career of the 41‑year‑old superstar is definitively over. The situation remains tense, as both the player and the federation have not announced a final decision.
Earlier reports said that Ronaldo had skipped training and had left by plane, which was confirmed by footage of his departure. Jesus had initially said that Ronaldo had indeed trained, but this turned out to be incorrect.
Ronaldo's bench snub sparks emergency Portugal meeting
Portugal faces Denmark on Thursday evening in the Nations League, after which the final match of the long international period is played at home against Norway. Ronaldo is expected to be unavailable for these clashes.