Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal national team camp, promises to explain reasons later
Quick Look
Cristiano Ronaldo announced he has left Portugal's international training camp and will explain his reasons 'in time', following his omission from the matchday squad against Denmark and reports of tension with head coach Jorge Jesus, who denied any rift and said Ronaldo was not selected due to tactical decisions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ronaldo had considered retiring from international football after the World Cup but decided to continue chasing 1,000 career goals. He was included in the squad for the Nations League break and started against Wales but did not play in the win over Norway.
Cristiano Ronaldo says he has left Portugal's international camp and will explain the reasons why "in time".
It comes after head coach Jorge Jesus earlier said there was no rift with the captain, following claims the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had refused to train.
Ronaldo has said he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup in the summer but opted to continue as he chases down 1,000 career goals.
He was included in Jesus' 25-man squad for the current international break and started the opening Nations League game against Wales.
However, the Al-Nassr forward did not feature in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway in Olso on Sunday and did not join his team-mates in going over to the visiting fans at the final whistle.
Instead, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player headed to the changing rooms - prompting reports he was unhappy with the manager.
Speaking to media before Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark on Thursday, Jesus said: "There was no incident whatsoever.
"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 said he had told Ronaldo before the match he would not be starting, but might be brought on later in the game.
"Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about," he added.
Former Benfica manager Jesus also dismissed suggestions Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, saying the 41-year-old instead had to do individual exercises for "mobility" and "strengthening" but would train as normal on Wednesday.
However, Ronaldo did not join his team-mates on the pitch in Denmark with Portuguese media sharing a video of him leaving Parken stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff.
And the player later took to Instagram to announce his departure.
"After the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp," he wrote.
"In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth abouit the reasons that motivated me to leave."
He added he wished his team-mates good luck in their forthcoming games.
Goncalo Ramos scored the winner against Norway and Jesus had said the AC Milan striker would again be preferred to Ronaldo against Denmark.
"If I need [Ronaldo], he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the Portugal national team for future matches after resolving his current situation
Likely · Within weeks
Jorge Jesus will continue as head coach of the Portugal national team through the Nations League campaign
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific reasons motivated Ronaldo to leave the national team camp?
- Was there a disagreement between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus over playing time or tactics?
- Will Ronaldo return to the Portugal national team for future matches?
- How will Ronaldo's absence affect Portugal's Nations League campaign?







