Cristiano Ronaldo has departed Portugal training camp following a clash with manager Jorge Jesus during the September/October international break.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed he was leaving on Instagram just after Jesus, speaking at a fiery press conference, sought to justify his choices over the veteran.
“I will leave the national team training camp after the national team coach’s press conference and having talked to the Portuguese Football Federation president,” Ronaldo announced via social media.
Soon I will tell the Portuguese people the truth of what led to me leaving the national team I have always served.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my fellow players.”
It was just hours after Jesus had also declared there was no hard feelings between him and Ronaldo.
After withdrawing Ronaldo from Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, where he did not feature, Jesus did not include Ronaldo in the squad for the subsequent game. Ronaldo was left out of Portugal’s Nations League game against Denmark, in the build-up to which he was not training.
“I am the man in charge here and everyone knows that”, Jesus said.
The manager also added he would again name Ronaldo on the bench for Portugal’s clash with Denmark with Gonalo Ramos leading the line.
“Never am I going to let any player make a decision on my behalf,” Jesus said.
What Ronaldo’s exit also throws up further doubts over his international career, especially as the 2026 World Cup gets closer.
The 41-year-old had previously said he could retire after the tournament and he also said his remaining goals were to win another Nations League and reach 1,000 career goals.
Portugal will now have to get through the international break without him as the undercurrent of conflict between Ronaldo and Jesus shows little sign of abating.
