Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team’s training camp in Copenhagen and, in a social media statement, promised to disclose the reasons for his departure at a later date, El.kz reports.
What Ronaldo said
The forward issued a statement on September 30, following a press conference by head coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença. Ronaldo said that he had left the team’s camp and would, “in due course,” tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons for his departure. He stressed that he had always remained committed to the national team.
The forward subsequently wished Portugal and all of his teammates “without exception” every success. His statement contained no reference to retirement or a possible return to the national team. Ronaldo did not specify what exactly he intends to disclose or when he plans to do so.
Match against Norway
Ronaldo took part in the warm-up ahead of the match against Norway but did not take the field. Since 2008, he had never remained on the bench for an entire official match. Following the final whistle, he immediately left for the dressing room. During the World Cup, observers had already noted signs of tension within the national team, although Ronaldo continued to feature regularly.
Jesus later explained that he had intended to bring the forward on during the final 30 minutes of the match. As he was satisfied with Gonçalo Ramos’s performance, the coach decided not to make the substitution. The two subsequently spoke in person after the match.
Coach’s remarks ahead of the match against Denmark
At the press conference ahead of the match against Denmark, Jesus indicated that Ramos was likely to be included in the starting lineup.
“If we need Ronaldo, he will play. If we do not, he will not,” the coach said.
He also stressed that the final decision on the lineup rested solely with him and that no player could influence that decision. Shortly after the press conference, Ronaldo spoke with Proença and decided to leave the team’s camp.
