Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally left the Portugal national team camp permanently following a fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The Portugal captain announced his decision in a statement on Wednesday, saying it came after Jesus’ pre-match press conference and a direct conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença.
“After Portugal coach’s press conference, following a direct conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the training camp,” Ronaldo said in his statement.
He noted that “In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself since first day.”
He added that “Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exceptions.”
The 41-year-old’s dramatic exit comes ahead of Portugal’s Nations League clash with Denmark in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on Tuesday, after starting the 1-0 victory over Wales last week.
Tensions reportedly escalated after Jesus told reporters that no player is guaranteed a starting place, with Ronaldo said to have left the team hotel shortly after and boarded a private flight out of Denmark.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
