Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally left Portugal’s training camp as his row with manager Jorge Jesus reached boiling point on Wednesday.
The star, 41, said in a statement on Instagram that he was heading home as a result of Jesus’s comments in a tense press conference.
Jesus said there were ‘no issues’ with the player despite tensions between the two over his decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench for the entirety of their 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday.
The Portugal boss also admitted the player was ‘angry’ with him but refused to confirm whether the country’s leading goalscorer would start the clash with Denmark on Thursday.
Ronaldo 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 from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has left Portugal’s camp amid a row with Jorge Jesus
‘Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates.’
Portugal responded with a statement of their own, which read: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team camp. Our preparations for the next games continue with our 24 players with maximum focus on the results.’
Ronaldo had held showdown talks with Jesus in the morning, in addition to the head of the Portuguese FA following being an unused substitute in the win over Norway.
It was the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo has not featured at all for Portugal – aside from injury or suspension absences.
At full-time on Sunday, Ronaldo stormed straight down the tunnel and did not return to thank the travelling fans alongside his team-mates.
Jesus had originally planned to bring on the veteran striker for a 30-minute cameo but then decided to leave him on the bench.
Reports in Portugal claimed the talks between Ronaldo and Jesus were ‘calm and cordial’, but his decision to leave the squad suggests otherwise.
The shocking move means that Ronaldo will not be involved in his country’s next game against Denmark.
Footage of the moment Ronaldo left the team camp has emerged on social media
It is an inauspicious start to the relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo, who opted not to retire from international duty after the World Cup.
Only a week ago, Ronaldo reiterated his commitment to the cause, saying: ‘I had a conversation with our president, with our coach (about his future).
‘I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.
‘I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.
‘This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.’
Ronaldo will turn 42 in February and has scored three goals in five games for Al-Nassr so far in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Jesus and Ronaldo worked together successfully for a year when the 72-year-old was in charge of Al-Nassr but they could be on a collision course if the forward’s playing time remains limited.
The 41-year-old was an unused substitute in Portugal’s game with Norway on Sunday
Roberto Martinez stepped down after Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain and when Jesus was announced as his successor, he was asked the Ronaldo question.
Jesus insisted: ‘As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.’
Goncalo Ramos, 25, scored the winner against Norway on Sunday and is considered by many to be the natural evolution up front for Portugal.
But it seems as long as Ronaldo is around the national side, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s playing demands will continue to be an issue for the new boss.
