Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has sent shockwaves through international football after leaving the national team training camp ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League match.
The 41-year-old released a public statement confirming his departure following comments made by head coach Jorge Jesus in a press conference and high-level discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
He said:
“After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the National Team training camp. In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure… Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”
Jorge Jesus kept Ronaldo on the bench for the entire 90 minutes while João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos started and scored.
In his pre-match press conference, Jesus stood firm on his team selection, making it clear that no player dictates his lineups:
“I told the player he wasn’t going to play. If I need you for 30 minutes, you’ll play; if not, you won’t. No player will make me change my mind.”
Ronaldo left the team hotel in Denmark and boarded a private jet to Madrid, leaving the squad to prepare for their next match without their captain.
Lasisi Toluwani
