Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a stir by leaving the Portugal national team in the middle of the international break.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star announced on Wednesday that he was heading home ahead of Thursday night’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark in Copenhagen.
This saga has thrown his international career into doubt. But what caused him to make this decision? Here’s what we know so far.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal squad
Ronaldo was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway last Sunday. The forward was visibly incensed on the sideline at the end of the game, storming to the dressing room immediately after the full-time whistle.
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, who previously coached the player at Al-Nassr, confirmed that Ronaldo was told he was likely to play in that game.
Reports emerged that he had refused to train on Tuesday, though Jesus said in a press conference on Wednesday that “there was no incident whatsoever”.
But just hours later, Ronaldo announced he was departing the training camp, with MARCA reporting he had taken a private jet to Madrid.
What Cristiano Ronaldo said
“Following the national team manager’s press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” he posted on Instagram.
“In due course, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”
What Jorge Jesus said
“It seems like there was an issue between us, but there was no issue,” the Portugal boss said. “I’m the one who makes the decisions and everybody knows that.
“There was no incident whatsoever. 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.
“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about.
“I can promise whatever I want, I’m the coach. No player will ever make a decision for me.”
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