Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp. The decision came after coach Jorge Jesus said he would be dropped. Ronaldo had been expected to train in Copenhagen. Instead, he left the camp on Wednesday.
The move followed Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway. Ronaldo had remained on the bench throughout that match.
Ronaldo Explains His Decision
Ronaldo later confirmed his departure. He said it followed Jesus’s press conference. A conversation was also held with the Portuguese federation president.
“After having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
He said he would explain his reasons later. He also wished Portugal and his team-mates well.
The Portuguese federation confirmed his departure. The remaining 24 players were left to prepare for Denmark.
Jesus Says There Was No Rift
Jesus denied that an incident had taken place.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” he told reporters.
The coach said Ronaldo had been disappointed. The striker had warmed up against Norway but was not introduced.
Jesus said he understood that reaction. He also said the decision was his alone.
“As coach, I decided not to bring him on,” Jesus said.
The 72-year-old coach had planned to use Gonçalo Ramos instead. The AC Milan striker had scored Portugal’s winner in Oslo.
Ronaldo Was Set to Be Dropped Again
Jesus had already decided against starting Ronaldo in Denmark. Ramos was expected to lead the attack again. Ronaldo could have been used later in the match.
“If I need him, he’ll come on,” Jesus said. “If I don’t need him, he won’t.”
Ronaldo therefore left before the match. Portugal continued preparations without its captain. The federation said the team remained focused. Its next fixtures were unchanged.
Ronaldo’s International Record
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading scorer. He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances. He is also the country’s most-capped player.
At 41, his international future is under growing attention. Ronaldo said this summer that the current season would “probably” be his final one.
For now, Portugal must prepare for Denmark without him. Ronaldo’s decision has added another unexpected chapter to his long international career.
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