Ronaldo quits Portugal camp after being dropped
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team's training camp after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start Thursday's Nations League match.
Ronaldo departed Denmark's Parken stadium on Wednesday after Jesus told reporters the 41-year-old would be benched for the match against Denmark. The forward had spent the entire game on the bench in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday and tried to leave the squad then without joining team-mates to acknowledge supporters.
On Instagram, Ronaldo said he decided to leave after a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president. He promised to explain his reasons later but wished the team luck.
Jesus insisted there was no rift, saying any player would be disappointed after warming up and not playing. The coach added he had told Ronaldo before the Norway match he would not start but might come on late.
Ronaldo is Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer with 146 goals in 234 caps and announced this summer his career would likely end this season.
- 41
- Ronaldo's age
- 146 in 234 caps
- All-time Portugal goals
- 72
- Coach age
- Portugal won 2-1
- Match result vs Norway
Why it mattersRonaldo's exit creates friction as Portugal prepares for two critical Nations League matches and raises questions about the captain's final chapter with the team.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the drama will dominate football talk among Australian fans who follow Ronaldo and international soccer.
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