Ronaldo quits Portugal team before UEFA Nations League match vs Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portuguese national team's training camp on Wednesday evening, just one day before the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, which will be played on Thursday at 20:45 in Copenhagen. The 41-year-old record scorer shared his decision in an Instagram post and referred to the press conference of national coach Jorge Jesus as well as a conversation with FPFA president Pedro Proença.

Decision after press conference

At yesterday's press conference, Pedro Proença had already announced that Ronaldo would not be in the starting lineup against Denmark. In the previous away match against Norway, he was also on the bench and was not substituted in, even though Portugal had won 2:1. In the opening match against Wales, he had played from the start and was substituted in the 67th minute.

Ronaldo wrote that he wants to tell the Portuguese fans in due course “the truth about the reasons for my departure”. He emphasized that he has always devoted himself to the national team “with all his heart” and now wishes Portugal and all teammates good luck.

Jorge Jesus emphasizes lack of conflicts

Coach Jorge Jesus, 72, explained after the press conference that there were no problems between him and the superstar. “It seems as if there was a problem, but there was no problem,” he said, emphasizing that he makes the decisions himself.

Pedro Proença will not accompany Portugal to Copenhagen before Denmark

Jesus added that Ronaldo had not refused to train, but had signaled his cooperation: “If you want me to play, I will play. If you want me to sit on the bench, I will do that. If you want me on the stand, I will do that.”

Travel and possible consequences

After his announcement, Ronaldo left the training ground in a private jet and flew to Madrid. Media reported that his jet was to fly from Madrid to Copenhagen later that same day. The decision could mark the end of his international career, as a dpa report suggests.

Jorge Jesus denies rift as Ronaldo skips training before Dinamarca clash

Portugal still has two Nations League games ahead: on Thursday against Denmark and on Sunday against Norway, both at 15:45 (Brasília time). Coach Jesus had already announced that Gonçalo Ramos will take the starting lineup against Denmark, while Ronaldo should only be used if needed.