Cristiano Ronaldo quits Portugal camp and promises ‘truth’ after reports of rift with coach | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has left Portugal football’s camp on the eve of their match against Denmark amid reports of a falling out with manager Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo did not feature in Portugal’s win over Norway on Sunday despite being informed by Jesus that he would come off the bench.

The 41-year-old has now stepped away before their Nations League match in Copenhagen, leaving his international future uncertain.

“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 camp,” Ronaldo posted on social media.

“In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”

Ronaldo has scored a record 146 international goals in 234 appearances for Portugal since making his debut in 2003. He started the game against Wales last week.

The veteran forward is closing in on 1000 goals in senior football overall, and earlier this became the first male footballer to score at six World Cups.

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Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo previously worked together at Al Nassr (Getty)

Jesus dismissed suggestions of a rift between he and Ronaldo ahead of the Denmark game, though insisted that he would treat him as he would any other player.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the game,” Jesus said. “If we need him (Ronaldo) to play (at some point), he’ll play. If not, he won’t.

“It seems like there was an issue between us, but there was no issue. I’m the one who makes the decisions and everybody knows that.

“I can promise whatever I want, I'm the coach. No player will ever make a decision for me.”

The pair previously worked together in Al Nassr, where Ronaldo has plied his club trade since 2023.