CRISTIANO RONALDO LEAVES PORTUGAL CAMP

Cristiano Ronaldo says he has left Portugal's international camp and will explain the reasons why "in time".
BBC Sport

It comes after head coach Jorge Jesus earlier said there was no rift with the captain, following claims the five-times Ballon d'Or winner had refused to train.

Ronaldo has said he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup in the summer but opted to continue as he chases down 1,000 career goals.

He was included in Jesus' 25-man squad for the current international break and started the opening Nations League game against Wales.

However, the Al-Nassr forward did not feature in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway in Olso on Sunday and did not join his team-mates in going over to the visiting fans at the final whistle. Instead, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player headed to the changing rooms - prompting reports he was unhappy with the manager.

Speaking to media before Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark on Thursday, Jesus said: "Cristiano Ronaldo says he has left Portugal's international camp and will explain the reasons why "in time".

It comes after head coach Jorge Jesus earlier said there was no rift with the captain, following claims the five-times Ballon d'Or winner had refused to train.

"Any player - and I was a player myself - when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on, no-one is happy about that."

Jesus said he had told Ronaldo before the match he would not be starting, but might be brought on later in the game.

"Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about," he added.

Former Benfica manager Jesus also dismissed suggestions Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, saying the 41-year-old instead had to do individual exercises for "mobility" and "strengthening" but would train as normal on Wednesday.

However, Ronaldo did not join his team-mates on the pitch in Denmark with Portuguese media sharing a video of him leaving Parken stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff.

And the player later took to Instagram to announce his departure.

"After the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp," he wrote.

"In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave."

He added he wished his team-mates good luck in their forthcoming games.
Goncalo Ramos scored the winner against Norway and Jesus had said the AC Milan striker would again be preferred to Ronaldo against Denmark.

Jesus went on to say, "If I need [Ronaldo], he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't."

The Portuguese Football Federation later confirmed Ronaldo's departure in a statement which added: "Preparation for the two matches against Denmark and Norway continue as planned with the 24 remaining squad members.

"The entire delegation remains totally focussed on the national team's next fixtures and on achieving the established objectives."

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I noticed he did not play any part v Norway - thought at the time he was rested by the new manager

I noticed he did not play any part v Norway - thought at the time he was rested by the new manager

Tony, I was surprised too, but it seems the manager is putting country not player first, and Ronaldo won’t be used to that

I praised him for his off-field works the other day, but his petulance at several of his clubs is renowned. The question now should be ‘What value does he add to the Portuguese international team?‘ rather than ‘How do they help him secure his personal agenda of reaching 1000 goals?’

For me, the last World Cup was a step too far, and he should have retired then

Portugal have won two out of two. One where Ronaldo played, the other where he was an unused substitute.

But because he can't accept being left on the bench, he's gone off in a strop. It's ridiculous.

Not a surprise though. I've seen in the past, when players on his own team have scored he hasn't celebrated because he's thought they should have passed to him.

Portugal have won two out of two. One where Ronaldo played, the other where he was an unused substitute.

But because he can't accept being left on the bench, he's gone off in a strop. It's ridiculous.

Not a surprise though. I've seen in the past, when players on his own team have scored he hasn't celebrated because he's thought they should have passed to him.

Spot on, Ned

Portugal have won two out of two. One where Ronaldo played, the other where he was an unused substitute.

But because he can't accept being left on the bench, he's gone off in a strop. It's ridiculous.

Not a surprise though. I've seen in the past, when players on his own team have scored he hasn't celebrated because he's thought they should have passed to him.

Spot on, Ned

And all of Portugal is probably quietly relieved

Portugal Won 4-2 away at Denmark tonight without Ronaldo .