Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal training camp in Copenhagen and says he will reveal the reasons behind his decision “in time”, adding another twist to the growing uncertainty surrounding his international future.
The 41-year-old’s departure came shortly after head coach Jorge Jesus insisted there had been no serious incident between the pair. Ronaldo had been an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the winner.
Jesus subsequently confirmed that Ramos would again start against Denmark on Thursday, with Ronaldo expected to remain on the bench. He said he had informed Ronaldo before the Norway match that he would not start but could be introduced later, only to decide against using him.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said, while also dismissing reports that Ronaldo had refused to train. The Portugal boss said the forward had instead been completing individual mobility and strengthening work.
However, Ronaldo did not join the rest of the squad for Wednesday’s training session at Parken Stadium. He later announced his departure on social media following a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Após a conferência de imprensa do Selecionador Nacional, e no seguimento de uma conversa com o Presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, tomei a decisão de deixar o estágio da Seleção Nacional.
A seu tempo, direi a verdade a todos os Portugueses sobre as razões que… pic.twitter.com/j8Qrws9KTS
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) September 30, 2026
“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,” Ronaldo wrote.
“In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave.”
The Portuguese federation subsequently confirmed Ronaldo’s departure but gave no further explanation, saying preparations for the remaining Nations League fixtures would continue with the other 24 players.
Ronaldo’s exit does not amount to an announcement of international retirement. He had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup could be his final tournament but chose to continue representing Portugal.
The immediate focus will now be on Thursday’s meeting with Denmark, but Ronaldo’s unexpected departure has placed his relationship with Jesus and his longer-term future with Portugal firmly under scrutiny.
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