Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark on Wednesday after national team head coach Jorge Jesus announced that the 41-year-old forward would not start Friday’s UEFA Nations League fixture. Ronaldo stated on Instagram that he spoke with the Portuguese Football Federation president before departing and promised to reveal the truth about his departure in due course, while the federation confirmed that 24 players remain with the squad in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo Departs Training Camp Following Coach’s Announcement
The sudden departure unfolded at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen just hours after Jesus addressed reporters ahead of the upcoming match against Denmark. Ronaldo, who is men’s international soccer’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, did not join his teammates on the pitch for training despite arriving at the venue on the team bus. Portuguese media outlets captured footage of the veteran striker leaving the stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff.
“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote in a statement published on Instagram, as reported by The Guardian. “In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.”
The Portuguese Football Federation issued a brief statement acknowledging that Ronaldo had left the squad and that preparations would continue with the remaining players. “The entire delegation remains fully focused on the national team’s upcoming fixtures and on achieving our goals,” the federation stated.
Jorge Jesus Dismisses Feud Rumors and Explains Bench Decision
Jesus maintained during his pre-match press conference that no rift exists between him and Ronaldo, despite widespread media speculation triggered by Ronaldo spending Portugal’s entire 2-1 win over Norway on the bench on Monday. Jesus acknowledged that the forward walked straight to the dressing room after the match in Oslo without acknowledging supporters, but attributed the reaction to standard player frustration.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus told reporters. “Any player—and I was a player myself… when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don’t get on… no one is happy about that.”
Jesus admitted that making a player warm up extensively without substituting him was a mistake, but asserted his authority over team selections. “I can promise whatever I want, I’m the coach,” Jesus said. “No player will ever make a decision for me.”
Jesus also debunked local media reports claiming Ronaldo refused to train earlier in the week, clarifying that the Al-Nassr forward participated in individual mobility and strengthening exercises. Regarding the upcoming Denmark match, Jesus stated that Gonçalo Ramos would start up front, with Ronaldo available from the bench if needed.
Squad Preparations Continue Ahead of Nations League Fixture
Portugal enters Friday’s match against Denmark holding momentum from their opening fixtures in the campaign, which include a 1-0 victory over Wales where Ronaldo started before being substituted in the 67th minute, followed by the 2-1 win against Norway. The squad trained at Parken Stadium with 24 remaining members as Jesus prepares the team to defend their position in the tournament.
Ronaldo, who holds 979 career goals and previously indicated that the current Saudi Pro League season will likely mark the conclusion of his professional club career, concluded his social media message by offering support to his colleagues. “Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception,” he wrote.
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