Portugal reveal new No7 after shock Cristiano Ronaldo decision | OneFootball

Forward will take over mantle from talisman

Portugal have named Rafael Leao as their new No7 after Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning decision to leave their international camp.

Ronaldo, the Iberian side’s captain, abruptly departed midway through Portugal’s Nations League campaign having fallen out with new manager Jorge Jesus.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid man was frustrated at not featuring in his side’s 2-1 win over Norway last time out, where he was an unused substitute in Oslo.

Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos were given the nod ahead of him against Erling Haaland and co., and the pair both got on the scoresheet to justify Jesus’ controversial team selection.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, was incensed at his exclusion, and as such, hastily left the camp, flying to Madrid and releasing a statement on social media shortly afterwards.

The veteran, 41, said that he would soon reveal “the truth” behind why he decided to walk out, while Jesus and Portugal prepare to face Denmark on Thursday night.

They sit top of the fourth pool in ‘League A’ of the competition, having beaten Wales and Norway already.

Their next fixture will be a second crack at the Norwegians at home on Sunday, where FC Porto’s Estadio do Dragao will play host.

Various outlets reported that Ronaldo’s plan had been to retire from international football after the summer’s World Cup, where Portugal were beaten 1-0 in the last 16 by eventual winners Spain.

Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner was enough to send Luis de la Fuente’s side through into the last eight.

Ronaldo was expected to bring the curtain down on his international career after the tournament in North America and Mexico, but he was reportedly talked into continuing by the Portuguese FA and Jesus, who are believed to have emphasised his importance to the side.