Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after being dropped from starting XI

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team camp after learning that he would not start against Denmark, raising fresh questions over

COPENHAGEN: Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team camp after learning that he would not start against Denmark, raising fresh questions over the 41-year-old forward’s international future.

Ronaldo announced his departure late on Wednesday, shortly after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would again be left out of the starting line-up for a second consecutive Nations League match.

The veteran forward had been scheduled to train with his teammates at Parken Stadium ahead of the match but left the camp following the coach’s announcement.

“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo said in a statement posted on Instagram.

Portugal subsequently produced a strong performance without its captain, defeating Denmark 4-2.

Ronaldo had also remained on the bench for Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday. He had started the previous match, captaining the side in a 1-0 home win against Wales.

The circumstances surrounding his departure have led to speculation about his future with the national team. Ronaldo suggested that he would eventually explain his reasons for leaving.

“In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated,” he wrote.

He also wished Portugal and his teammates success, saying he hoped they would do well without exception.

Spanish sports newspaper Marca reported that Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport in an effort to convince him to remain with the squad. According to the report, Ronaldo eventually left on his private jet.

Jesus, who was appointed Portugal coach in July and previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, has denied that there is a personal dispute between them.

The coach acknowledged, however, that Ronaldo was disappointed after remaining on the bench against Norway.

Jesus said that any player would be unhappy after warming up for a significant period without being brought onto the field. He maintained that the decision was a tactical one and not the result of an incident between the two men.

The coach also said he had informed Ronaldo before the Norway match that he could be used as a substitute but ultimately decided against sending him onto the pitch.

Jesus reiterated that his selection policy applied equally to every member of the squad, regardless of reputation or status.

The coach had planned to start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos against Denmark after Ramos scored the winning goal against Norway.

Regarding Ronaldo’s potential involvement from the bench, Jesus said he would use him if the team required him but would leave him out if he was not needed.

Ronaldo’s departure has generated significant reaction in Portugal and across social media. His sister, Elma Aveiro, also criticised the reaction surrounding the veteran footballer.

Ronaldo recently indicated that the current season could probably be his final year in professional football.

He remains Portugal’s leading international goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.

Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003 at the age of 18. He represented Portugal at Euro 2004, reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and captained the country to its historic Euro 2016 title.

His international career has spanned more than two decades, making his latest departure from the national camp particularly significant for Portugal and its supporters.