Rafael Leao handed Portugal number 7 after Cristiano Ronaldo left camp | OneFootball

Rafael Leao will wear Portugal’s number 7 against Denmark on Thursday after Cristiano Ronaldo left the camp without permission following tensions.

The federation announced its squad for the third Nations League matchday against Denmark, kick-off 20:45, with Leao allocated the shirt.

Usually number 17, the Galatasaray forward now takes the iconic number worn by the five-time Ballon d’Or. He has worn 7 at senior level only at LOSC in 2018-2019.

The apparent rift between Ronaldo and the national team seems well under way, and the speed of this reassignment does not look incidental.

There is no indication yet who made the call, whether it came from the federation, head coach Jorge Jesus, or a request by the former AC Milan winger.

Source: L'Équipe

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