ไทย
English
中國人
In the wake of a fiery press conference from Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, Cristiano Ronaldo announced he was walking away from the national team camp during the September-October international window.
"Following the national team coach's press conference, and after speaking with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
"When the time is right, I will explain to all Portuguese people the true reasons behind my decision to leave the national team, to which I have always given everything.
"For now, I want to wish Portugal and all my teammates the very best of luck."
The shocking development came just hours after Jesus insisted there "was no issue" between himself and Ronaldo. Yet the veteran forward clearly took offense at the manager's remarks during the press conference.
Jesus Deals Out a Strong Reminder to Ronaldo
Jesus was peppered with questions about Ronaldo at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, having to address the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's situation amid reports of a deepening standoff between the two most influential figures in the Portugal camp.
The apparent tension traced back to Jesus leaving Ronaldo on the bench during the team's 2–1 victory over Norway on Sunday. The Real Madrid icon stormed off down the tunnel at the final whistle without having played a single minute, and subsequently skipped training ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark on Thursday.
"It seems like there was an issue between us, but there was no issue," Jesus stated. "I'm the one who makes the decisions and everybody knows that."
Jesus acknowledged he regretted sending Ronaldo out to warm up against Norway, but he stood firm on his choice to bench the 41-year-old despite having previously suggested he would see some playing time.
"I can promise whatever I want, I'm the coach," Jesus said. "No player will ever make a decision for me."
Ronaldo Reaches a Boiling Point
Jesus didn't hold back. The manager went on to confirm that Ronaldo would once again be named among the substitutes against Denmark on Thursday.
Gonçalo Ramos was instead handed the responsibility of leading Portugal's attack. The 25-year-old netted the decisive goal against Norway and was set to earn his second straight start.
As for Ronaldo, Jesus appeared largely indifferent. "I don't know what's going to happen in the game. If we need him to play [at some point], he'll play. If not, he won't."
The Portuguese boss added: "The rules are the same for everyone."
As Portugal's record goalscorer and captain, Ronaldo has never taken kindly to those who question his place in the squad. His absence from training had already raised red flags, and Jesus's press conference seemingly pushed him beyond his breaking point.
Portugal must now see out the international window without their five-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Seleção das Quinas still have UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Norway remaining before the break ends.
What Comes Next for Ronaldo?
Such a dramatic move from Ronaldo is very much in keeping with his character. But it also raises serious questions about whether his international career may be drawing to a close.
He had previously spoken about considering retirement after the 2026 World Cup, but expressed a desire to stay with Portugal for its UEFA Nations League title defense. Ronaldo cited winning the tournament for a record third time and reaching 1,000 career goals as his two remaining ambitions.
However, he is now clearly at loggerheads with Jesus and possibly the Portuguese Football Federation itself. For a player whose pride is central to his identity, Ronaldo may choose to step away from international football rather than accept a bench role and endure unflattering remarks from a manager he appeared to have a good relationship with during their successful time together in the Saudi Pro League at Al Nassr last season.
There is also the chance that Portugal sides with the iconic striker and parts ways with Jesus if an ultimatum is issued.
Whatever happens next, it appears unlikely that the two will find common ground anytime soon.