Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal field after coach Jorge Jesus’ comments about leaving him on the bench for their 2-1 win against Norway.
In a post on Instagram, the 41-year-old wrote: “After the national team coach’s press conference, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team training camp.
“In due time, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons for my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”
Ronaldo’s international future is now said to be in serious doubt as the striker is unlikely to feature in Portugal’s remaining two Nations League games against Denmark and Norway.
It comes after Jesus downplayed a rift between the pair, insisting there was “never a problem”, but made it clear he would handle who plays.
the first Real Madrid and Manchester United The star was an unused substitute in Portugal’s win in Oslo on Sunday, with his substitute Goncalo Ramos on the winning sheet.
He started in the Selecao’s 1-0 win against Wales last week, but was substituted in the 67th minute.
Portugal coach Jesus: “I am responsible for who plays”
While Jesus played down any issues between the pair in his pre-match press conference for the Denmark game, he made it clear that he will be in charge of the decisions and that reputation will not affect his tactical choices.
“I can promise whatever I want. I’m the coach. I’m the coach, I told the player I wouldn’t play,” Jesus said.
I’ll put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, you will play; otherwise you won’t. No player will change my mind.
“Not him, not anyone in football. Not any president. Never, absolutely no one.”
More to follow.
