Portugal has confirmed that captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team’s training camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) did not disclose the reason for the 41-year-old’s departure, saying preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Ronaldo announced his decision shortly after head coach Jorge Jesus’ press conference, following a conversation with FPF president Pedro Proença. He said he would reveal the reasons for his departure “in due course.”
The development follows Ronaldo’s unused-substitute appearance in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday. He was reportedly unhappy after remaining on the bench for the entire match and did not join his teammates in acknowledging the travelling supporters after the final whistle.
Jesus had also confirmed that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark while denying that there was a serious rift between them. Ronaldo subsequently left the team’s camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo, who has 234 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, has now left the squad as questions grow over his immediate international future.
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