Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp Before Denmark Match
The veteran captain's abrupt departure leaves Portugal without its all-time leading goalscorer ahead of key Nations League fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo has walked out of Portugal's national team training camp in Copenhagen after learning he would not start in an upcoming match. The 41-year-old forward left on Wednesday following discussions with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca.
The decision came hours after Jesus announced to reporters that Ronaldo would not be in the starting lineup against Denmark. In an online statement, Ronaldo said that he chose to leave after the coach's news conference and a conversation with Proenca. He said he would tell the public the full truth behind his departure at a later time.
Jesus dismissed suggestions of an internal feud between himself and the player. The coach said that every player understands the manager makes the team selections. He added that the team rules apply equally to everyone in the squad.
Jesus explained that he planned to start striker Goncalo Ramos for the Thursday match in Copenhagen. Jesus had previously benched Ronaldo during a 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday. The forward did not play any minutes in that match and subsequently trained apart from the squad.
The Portuguese Football Federation issued a statement confirming that Ronaldo had left the squad. The federation said that the team would continue its preparations with the remaining 24 players. It added that the delegation remains focused on its upcoming international fixtures.
Ronaldo holds the all-time scoring record in men's international soccer with 146 goals. He had started Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales a week earlier before being substituted in the 67th minute.
Portugal currently leads Group A4 of the UEFA Nations League with six points from its first two games. The team plays Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday before facing Norway in another group fixture on Sunday.
