COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen after a dispute over his role in the national team, saying he will later reveal the full reasons behind his decision.
Ronaldo announced his departure shortly after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the veteran forward would not start Wednesday’s match against Denmark.
“After Portugal coach’s press conference, following a direct conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the training camp,” Ronaldo said.
He added that he would “tell all Portuguese people the truth” about the reasons for his departure, while wishing Portugal and his teammates well.
Jesus Insisted Ronaldo Would Be On The Bench
Jesus had earlier played down suggestions of a major dispute with Ronaldo, saying he had spoken with the captain on Tuesday evening and believed the issue had been resolved.
The coach, however, made clear that Ronaldo’s status would not determine his team selection.
“I am the coach. I told the player he would not start the match, and would be on the substitutes’ bench,” Jesus said.
He added that Ronaldo could still have been introduced if required.
“There is no player who will make me change my mind. Not him nor anyone else in football, not even any president,” Jesus said.
Despite those assurances, Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal’s subsequent training session.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his absence, alongside Francisco Conceicao, who was unavailable for the match. Joao Felix, meanwhile, returned to training.
Tensions Had Been Building
The latest dispute follows a tense period surrounding Ronaldo’s involvement with the national team.
Jesus left the 41-year-old on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, with Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos starting in attack. Both scored, while Ronaldo did not enter the match.
The decision added to scrutiny over Ronaldo’s role under the new coach, although Jesus subsequently described his selection as a normal technical decision.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença travelled to Copenhagen for discussions involving Ronaldo and Jesus as efforts were made to resolve the disagreement.
Jesus said the meeting ended normally, but Ronaldo subsequently left the camp.
Ronaldo Sister Defends Captain
Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, has also commented on the dispute, defending the Portugal captain and criticising what she described as a lack of respect and structure around him and the national team.
“CR7 deserved more respect as the national team deserved more structure,” she wrote, while also criticising Portuguese media coverage.
Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football. His departure from the current camp therefore does not, by itself, mark the end of his Portugal career.
However, the episode has intensified questions about his relationship with Jesus and his role in the national team.
For now, Ronaldo says he will explain his decision at a later date.
“I WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH SOON,” he said.
