Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after being benched against Norway
The forward says he will explain his reasons later, while coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença have left open a path back to the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after being an unused substitute in the team’s 2–1 win over Norway. The departure followed a press conference by coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, according to Ronaldo’s statement.
Ronaldo said he would explain his reasons “in due time” and wished Portugal and his teammates well. The supplied account does not establish the precise cause of his decision to leave.
Jesus said he had planned to bring Ronaldo on, but decided the match did not call for it. He described the selection as a coaching decision and said Ronaldo could be called up for the next international break if he wanted to return.
Proença called the matter a misunderstanding to be resolved internally. He said Ronaldo remained part of the national team and would be welcome whenever the coach wanted him.
The public statements leave the next step dependent on a conversation between the parties and Ronaldo’s willingness to return.
