Cristiano Ronaldo has fueled speculation that his Portugal career could be nearing its end after leaving the national team’s training camp following a public disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old announced on Instagram that he was returning home after taking issue with comments made by Jesus during a tense Wednesday press conference. His departure came after he missed a third consecutive training session with his Portugal teammates.
Jesus appeared to indicate that Ronaldo would not be restored to the starting lineup for Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Denmark. The captain had remained an unused substitute during Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
The Portugal manager, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, acknowledged that the forward was angry with him. However, Jesus played down suggestions of a serious rift, insisting there were no underlying problems despite the growing tension.
Ronaldo wrote: “Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after speaking with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team camp.
“When the time is right, I will explain to the Portuguese people the truth behind my decision to leave the national team, a side to which I have always given my full commitment.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed his departure from Portugal’s training camp following his dispute with Jorge Jesus
“For now, I want to wish Portugal and all of my teammates the very best of luck.”
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s exit in a brief statement, saying: “Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team camp. Preparations for the upcoming matches will continue with our 24 players, who remain fully focused on achieving positive results.”
Ronaldo was reportedly seen departing Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium as the rest of the squad trained. His private aircraft traveled to the Danish capital from Madrid, with the Portugal captain boarding soon after it arrived.
The dispute appeared to intensify after Jesus addressed the situation at his press conference. “There was absolutely no incident,” the manager said.
“Any player—and I know this from my own experience—will be disappointed after warming up for 20 or 30 minutes and then not being sent onto the pitch.
“As the coach, I later decided not to use him. There is no reason to turn it into something bigger.”
Jesus also suggested that Goncalo Ramos was likely to remain ahead of Ronaldo for Thursday’s match against Denmark. “If I need Ronaldo, he will come on,” he said. “If I don’t need him, he won’t.”
Ronaldo had held discussions with Jesus earlier that morning, as well as with the Portuguese FA president, after being left on the bench for the entire win over Norway.
It marked the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo had failed to appear for Portugal in a match when he was available, with previous absences having been caused by injury or suspension.
READ MORE: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Delivers Combative Address to American Service Members
After Sunday’s final whistle, Ronaldo immediately headed down the tunnel rather than joining his teammates in applauding the traveling supporters.
Video showing Ronaldo leaving Portugal’s training camp has since circulated on social media
Jesus had initially considered giving the experienced forward around 30 minutes from the bench, but ultimately chose not to bring him onto the field.
Reports in Portugal claimed the talks between Ronaldo and Jesus were ‘calm and cordial’, but his decision to leave the squad suggests otherwise.
The shocking move means that Ronaldo will not be involved in his country’s next game against Denmark.
It is an inauspicious start to the relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo, who opted not to retire from international duty after the World Cup.
Only a week ago, Ronaldo reiterated his commitment to the cause, saying: ‘I had a conversation with our president, with our coach (about his future).
‘I still believe that I’m able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I’m not doing anything here.
‘I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football.
‘This is a new young generation. But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games.’
Ronaldo will turn 42 in February and has scored three goals in five games for Al-Nassr so far in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Jesus and Ronaldo worked together successfully for a year when the 72-year-old was in charge of Al-Nassr but they could be on a collision course if the forward’s playing time remains limited.
The 41-year-old was an unused substitute in Portugal’s game with Norway on Sunday
Roberto Martinez stepped down after Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain and when Jesus was announced as his successor, he was asked the Ronaldo question.
Jesus insisted: ‘As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.’
Ramos, 25, scored the winner against Norway on Sunday and is considered by many to be the natural evolution up front for Portugal.
But it seems as long as Ronaldo is around the national side, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s playing demands will continue to be an issue for the new boss.