Copenhagen: Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team training camp in Copenhagen after a tense day involving head coach Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation.
Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal’s scheduled training session on Wednesday, September 30, despite Jorge Jesus saying earlier in the day that the captain would train with the squad. Portuguese media reported that Ronaldo left the Parken Stadium in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle as his teammates prepared for the session.
The dramatic development came shortly after Jesus addressed Ronaldo’s situation during a press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark.
Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark, following the forward’s surprise absence from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway. Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout that match.
Ronaldo Announces His Departure
Ronaldo later confirmed that he had decided to leave the national team camp. According to his statement, the decision followed Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
The Portugal captain also indicated that he would eventually explain his reasons for leaving, saying he would tell the Portuguese people the truth about what motivated his decision.
The announcement has immediately raised questions about Ronaldo’s relationship with the national team and his future under Jesus. However, neither Ronaldo nor the Portuguese Football Federation has publicly confirmed that his departure represents a permanent retirement from international football.
Tensions Had Already Been Building
The situation developed after Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2–1 Nations League victory over Norway. He had also worked separately from the main squad during previous training sessions.
Jesus denied that Ronaldo had refused to train and said the player had carried out gym, mobility and strengthening work. The coach also insisted that there was no major incident between them.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s subsequent decision to leave the camp has intensified attention around the Portugal setup.
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed Ronaldo’s departure and said preparations for the upcoming Nations League fixtures will continue with the remaining squad members.
For now, Ronaldo’s next step remains unclear. The veteran forward has made it clear, however, that he intends to explain his side of the story at a later stage.
Ronaldo’s departure leaves Portugal facing Denmark without its captain as attention now turns to what the Portuguese superstar will reveal about the events behind his decision.
