Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team training camp ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, following growing speculation about tensions between the veteran forward and new head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old confirmed his departure on Wednesday, shortly after Jesus indicated that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s upcoming match in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo’s exit has raised questions about his immediate future with the national team, although neither the player nor the Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed that he is retiring from international football.
Ronaldo Leaves Camp After Coach’s Press Conference
Ronaldo said on Instagram that he decided to leave the training camp following Jesus’s press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença.
The Portugal captain said he would explain the reasons behind his decision to the Portuguese public “in due course.”
The announcement came just hours after Jesus discussed his plans for the Denmark match.
Jesus indicated that Gonçalo Ramos was expected to start, while Ronaldo would be available only if needed during the match.
Ronaldo Was Benched Against Norway
The situation follows Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match.
According to Reuters, Jesus had initially indicated that Ronaldo could enter the game but ultimately decided not to use him. Ronaldo subsequently worked separately in the gym on Monday and Tuesday despite not being injured.
Jesus later acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy about remaining on the bench but said he considered the matter resolved.
The coach has also rejected suggestions that Ronaldo refused to train or that there had been a major incident between them.
Jesus Denies a Dispute
Jesus has publicly denied that there was a serious dispute between him and Ronaldo.
He said he was responsible for making team selections and maintained that there had been no incident requiring further action.
However, Ronaldo’s decision to leave the camp shortly after the coach’s press conference has fueled continued speculation about the relationship between the two.
Reuters reported that Portugal’s squad later arrived at its hotel without both Ronaldo and Jesus.
Ronaldo’s International Future Remains Unclear
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading international goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
His departure means he will miss the upcoming Denmark fixture unless circumstances change. It is not yet clear whether his exit is limited to the current international window or could affect his participation in future Portugal matches.
The uncertainty comes at a significant stage of Ronaldo’s international career. The veteran forward has continued representing Portugal despite being 41 and recently indicated that this season could potentially be his final year in football.
Portugal Moves Forward Without Ronaldo
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo had left the camp but said preparations for the upcoming fixtures would continue with the remaining squad members.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark in the Nations League before returning home for another fixture against Norway.
For now, Ronaldo has said he will reveal his reasons for leaving at a later stage. Until then, reports of a rift with Jesus remain the subject of speculation, while the full circumstances behind the captain’s departure have not been publicly established.
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