Cristiano Ronaldo has promised to eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision to leave the Portugal national team camp, insisting that he has always given everything to the country.
The 41-year-old forward left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday after discussions surrounding his role in the squad and his absence from training. Ronaldo had been an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway before subsequently working away from the main group.
Ronaldo has now indicated that he will explain his decision when the time is right, while stressing his long-standing commitment to the Portuguese national team.
The development has attracted significant attention because Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals and 234 appearances for the national side.
Meanwhile, Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has rejected reports that Ronaldo refused to train, insisting there was no serious dispute between the pair.
Jesus explained that Ronaldo had completed individual work in the gym, mobility exercises and additional muscle-strengthening work rather than refusing to train. He also said Ronaldo had told him he would accept whatever role the manager chose, whether starting, sitting on the bench or watching from the stands.
However, the situation took another turn when the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo did not take part in Wednesday’s final team session before the Denmark clash.
With questions now surrounding Ronaldo’s future with Portugal, attention will turn to whether the veteran captain returns to the squad and when he decides to explain what prompted his latest departure.
