Ronaldo leaves Portugal squad – and says he will explain why ‘in time’ | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s international camp and says he will explain the reasons behind his decision “in time”.

The 41-year-old announced his departure on social media after leaving Parken Stadium in Denmark.

His decision comes after head coach Jorge Jesus had dismissed suggestions of a rift with the captain following Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway.

Ronaldo did not feature in the win over Norway on Sunday and will play no further part for his country during this international break.

Jesus later insisted there had been no incident between the pair.

“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 told before the match that he would not start, but could be introduced later.

“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” he added.

The Portugal boss also rejected reports that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, explaining that the forward had instead been completing individual mobility and strengthening work.

Ronaldo was then absent from the main session in Denmark before confirming he had left the camp.

“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,” he wrote on Instagram.

“In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave.”