Cristiano Ronaldo Departs Portugal Training Camp Amid Managerial Dispute
The 41-year-old star announced his departure from the national team following a tense press conference with manager Jorge Jesus.
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal's training camp, citing a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus. The star forward confirmed his departure in a statement on Instagram Wednesday, stating he would return home after a conversation with Jesus and the President of the Portuguese Football Federation.
Ronaldo's exit follows tensions over his decision to remain on the bench for Portugal's 2-1 victory on Sunday. Jesus had stated in a press conference that there were no issues with the player, although he acknowledged Ronaldo was 'angry' with him. Jesus also declined to confirm if the team's leading goalscorer would feature in Thursday's match against Denmark.
"In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself," Ronaldo said in his statement. "Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates."