Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s international training camp and says he will explain the reasons behind his sudden departure “in time”.
The 41-year-old captain announced his decision after talks with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, bringing further attention to reports of possible tension surrounding his role in the national team.
“After the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
“In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave.”
Ronaldo also wished his team-mates well ahead of their forthcoming matches.
His departure follows speculation about his relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday.
Ronaldo did not play in the match despite warming up and went directly to the changing rooms at full-time rather than joining his team-mates in acknowledging the travelling supporters.
Jesus had earlier rejected suggestions there had been a disagreement.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” he said.
“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.”
Jesus said Ronaldo had been informed before the game that he would not start but could be introduced later. The coach ultimately decided against using him.
“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” Jesus added.
The former Benfica manager also denied reports that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, explaining that the forward instead completed individual “mobility” and “strengthening” exercises.
However, Ronaldo did not train with his team-mates on the pitch in Denmark and was later seen leaving Parken stadium alongside two members of Portugal’s staff.
Goncalo Ramos, who scored the winner against Norway, was expected to remain ahead of Ronaldo for the Denmark match.
“If I need [Ronaldo], he’ll come on. If I don’t need him, he won’t,” Jesus said.
Portugal’s football federation subsequently confirmed Ronaldo had left the camp, saying preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players.
“The entire delegation remains totally focussed on the national team’s next fixtures and on achieving the established objectives,” its statement said.
Ronaldo, who considered retiring from international football after the World Cup before deciding to continue, is also pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals.
