Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after being told he would not start against Denmark
The Portuguese Football Federation says the squad will continue preparations with 24 players. Ronaldo has yet to fully explain his decision to leave.
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of its Nations League match against Denmark, after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start the game.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his departure and said preparations for the Denmark match and Sunday’s game against Norway would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Ronaldo said on Instagram that his decision followed Jesus’s news conference and a conversation with federation president Pedro Proença. He said he would explain his reasons to the Portuguese people “in due course”.
Jesus said Ronaldo had been disappointed to remain on the bench throughout Portugal’s win over Norway, but denied there had been an incident or a feud. He also said Ronaldo had not refused training, explaining that the player had completed individual mobility and strengthening exercises.
Ronaldo arrived at Parken with the squad but did not join the players on the pitch before leaving the stadium. The circumstances behind his departure remain unclear, and the available information does not establish whether he will play for Portugal again.
