The 41-year-old forward announced his departure on Wednesday after Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Denmark. Ronaldo had also remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s recent 2–1 victory over Norway.
Ronaldo was expected to join his teammates for training at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen but left the camp instead. He later confirmed the decision in a statement on social media, saying it followed the coach’s press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after having a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain did not disclose the specific reason for his decision, but said he would explain the circumstances behind his departure “in due course.” He also wished Portugal and his teammates success in the upcoming matches.
The development followed Jesus’ decision to leave Ronaldo out of Portugal’s starting lineup for the Denmark fixture. Jesus had previously acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy after being left on the bench against Norway but denied that there had been a serious confrontation between them.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said, explaining that Ronaldo had been informed before the Norway match that he would not start and could potentially be introduced later.
Jesus ultimately decided not to bring Ronaldo into the game, a decision he described as a normal coaching choice.
Ronaldo’s sudden departure has nevertheless intensified speculation about the relationship between the veteran forward and Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Reports said Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença later travelled to the airport in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Ronaldo to remain with the squad. Ronaldo subsequently left on a private flight to Madrid, according to reports cited by Reuters.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure but said preparations for the upcoming fixtures would continue with the remaining members of the squad.
The incident has also raised questions about Ronaldo’s future with the national team, although neither the player nor the federation has announced his retirement from international football.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most-capped player and leading international goalscorer, and his departure comes at a significant stage of the Nations League campaign.
For now, Ronaldo has said he intends to explain his reasons for leaving the camp at a later time, while Jesus and the remaining Portugal squad continue preparations for their fixtures.
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