Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team camp following a press conference by head coach Jorge Jesus, raising fresh questions about the 41-year-old forward’s future with the national team.
Ronaldo announced his departure in a message shared on social media on Wednesday, September 30, saying his decision followed a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The announcement came shortly after Jesus indicated that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s Nations League encounter against Denmark on Thursday.
In his statement, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said he would explain his reasons for leaving at a later date.
“After the National Team Coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo wrote.
“In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.”
He also wished his teammates and the Portuguese national team success in their upcoming fixtures.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception,” he added.
Ronaldo’s Departure Follows Coach’s Comments
The development followed growing attention surrounding Ronaldo’s role in the team after he remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Speaking to journalists ahead of Thursday’s match against Denmark, Jesus said he intended to start AC Milan forward Gonçalo Ramos, who scored the winning goal against Norway.
The coach also said Ronaldo would be available if required during the match.
Jesus had earlier dismissed reports that Ronaldo refused to train, insisting that there was no major incident between them.
However, the coach acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy after being left on the bench against Norway.
Portuguese Federation Confirms Ronaldo’s Exit
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently confirmed that Ronaldo had left the team’s training camp in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In its statement, the federation said preparations for the upcoming matches would continue with the remaining 24 players.
It did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the captain’s departure.
Ronaldo’s announcement has since generated reactions among football fans, particularly because he did not clearly state whether he was leaving only the current camp or bringing his international career to an end.
Ronaldo Had Earlier Ruled Out Immediate Retirement
The development is particularly surprising given Ronaldo’s recent comments about his international future.
The Portugal captain had insisted that he was not planning to retire from international football anytime soon, saying he would continue playing until he felt the time had come to stop.
At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
He has represented his country for nearly two decades, winning the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
His sudden departure from camp has therefore raised questions about whether he will return for Portugal’s future international assignments.
For now, Ronaldo has promised to explain his decision to the Portuguese public in due course.
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