Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not quitting international football. But he believes he should be punished for leaving Portugal’s training camp last week. The 41-year-old forward wants the Portuguese Football Federation to decide what happens next. He also says the punishment should not be reduced. He has already said sorry, but he knows actions have consequences.
Ronaldo walked out after he was an unused substitute against Norway. He then learnt he would not start against Denmark. In a long statement, he explained his side of the story. He said he had agreed with coach Jorge Jesus that he would miss both games to manage his fitness. But on the day of the Norway match, Jesus told him he would play for 30 minutes. Ronaldo warmed up from half-time. He watched the clock but was never sent on. He felt Jesus had broken his word.
Jesus has said there is no rift. He also said the door is still open for Ronaldo to return. Ronaldo says he wants to keep playing for Portugal if he is fit, playing for his club, and scoring goals. After his suspension ends, he will be available again.
Ronaldo also revealed he thought about retiring from international football after the World Cup. Portugal were knocked out in the last 16. He had even written a letter to fans. But Pedro Proenca, the FPF president, asked him to reconsider on the flight home.
Reaction in Portugal has been mixed. Some people support Jesus. Others remain loyal to Ronaldo. Ronaldo admits he should not have left the camp. He says the responsibility is his alone. He apologised to his teammates and to the Portuguese people. But he added that a broken promise has a deep effect on him.
Ronaldo is now back training with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He has 979 career goals and is chasing 1,000. Portugal won both matches without him. They play Denmark and Wales in November.
…Accuses Jorge Jesus of Breaking His Word in Explosive Portugal Camp Dispute
Cristiano Ronaldo made serious accusations against Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. In a long statement posted on social media, Ronaldo said Jesus broke his word to him. He also said Jesus presented a false version of events. That is what led Ronaldo to leave the Portugal camp last week.
Ronaldo apologised to his teammates and fans for leaving. But he explained why he did it. He said Jesus promised he would play for 30 minutes against Norway on September 27. Ronaldo warmed up but was never sent on. Then Jesus allegedly went back on a deal to tell the media an agreed version of events.
In his statement, Ronaldo made several points clear. He will not retire from international football. He hopes to have one or more farewell matches. He also said he had written a letter to announce his retirement. But Pedro Proenca, the FPF president, talked him out of it on the flight home from the United States. Ronaldo also said he will accept any punishment for leaving the camp.
The trouble began after Ronaldo did not play against Norway or Denmark. Portugal won both matches and reached the Nations League quarter-finals. But Ronaldo left the camp early. He had a crisis meeting with Jesus and Proenca before he left.
Proenca later called the dispute a misunderstanding. He said Ronaldo is still part of the national team. He said Ronaldo will be available whenever the coach needs him.
This was only the fourth time Ronaldo failed to get off the bench for Portugal. The other times were at the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, and a friendly before Euro 2024.
On the day of the first Norway match, Ronaldo said Jesus told him he would play 30 minutes. Ronaldo agreed even though it was outside his recovery plan. But he never got on the pitch. After the match, Ronaldo did not go to greet the fans. He said that was his mistake and he apologised for it.
Two days later, Ronaldo, Jesus, and Coutinho met again. Ronaldo called it a deep and frank meeting. They agreed Jesus would address the media and tell the truth. A short document was prepared for Jesus to read out. It said Ronaldo never asked to play, that the playing schedule was Jesus’s idea, and that it was a mistake to warm Ronaldo up and not bring him on. The document also said Jesus wanted Ronaldo in the national team.
But Ronaldo said Jesus did not read those notes. Instead, he spoke with aggression and a high-and-mighty attitude. Ronaldo said he did not deserve that. So he decided to leave the camp.
He ended by saying he will be available for Portugal again after any suspension. He wants to compete and win for his country. He also promised fans there will be farewell matches in the future.
FAQs
Q. Is Cristiano Ronaldo retiring from international football?
A. No, Ronaldo plans to continue playing for Portugal.
Q. Why did Ronaldo leave Portugal’s training camp?
A. Ronaldo said Jorge Jesus broke an agreement with him.
Q. What did Jesus reportedly promise Ronaldo?
A. Ronaldo promised Ronaldo 30 minutes against Norway.
Q. Who asked Ronaldo to reconsider retirement?
A. FPF president Pedro Proenca asked him to reconsider.
Q. Will Ronaldo accept punishment for leaving camp?
A. Yes, Ronaldo said he will accept the punishment.
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