Shockwaves have hit Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team camp in Copenhagen and will not play in the next two matches against Denmark and Norway. Just hours earlier, CR7 had not taken part in the team training session, despite comments made by Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old forward is now promising to reveal “the truth” about the reasons behind his departure.
The situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo suddenly escalated as Portugal prepared for their Nations League match against Denmark. The Portuguese star did not take part in the training session at Parken. According to the Portuguese media, Ronaldo even left the stadium in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle while his teammates were beginning their session. The episode was all the more surprising because Jorge Jesus had said just minutes earlier that his captain had not refused to train on Tuesday and would take part normally in the day’s session. In the end, CR7 never appeared on the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo Promises to Reveal “the Truth”
Later that evening, Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence on Instagram to confirm that he had left the national team camp. “After the coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the training camp,” the forward explained. The Portuguese star strongly suggested that a serious disagreement was behind his decision.
“In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always been fully committed.” Ronaldo nevertheless wished “good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception.” The Portuguese Football Federation later confirmed his departure in a statement without explaining the reasons behind the split. It said preparations for the matches against Denmark and Norway would continue with the remaining 24 players, with “absolute focus” on the national team’s objectives.
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo has made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal. His sudden departure now raises a major question: will CR7 ever wear the Seleção shirt again after this episode? For now, neither the player, Jorge Jesus nor the Federation has announced the end of his international career.
