Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after team dispute

Portugal will continue its international camp without Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain decided to leave following discussions with head coach Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese federation president. The departure deepens the dispute over Ronaldo’s role under the new coach, although the federation said the team’s programme would continue with the remaining 24 players.

Ronaldo announced his decision on Instagram after Jesus’s press conference. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would explain the reasons for his departure to the Portuguese public later. The 41-year-old had also indicated during the summer that the current season could be the final one of his career.

Jesus had left Ronaldo on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 win in Norway on Sunday and said Gonçalo Ramos was expected to start against Denmark. He maintained that there had been no incident with the captain, explaining that Ronaldo had warmed up without being used in Norway and that his training work included individual mobility and strength exercises. Ronaldo was seen arriving at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium with his team-mates but did not take part in the session open to the media, later leaving alone.

Ronaldo’s sister, Eilma Aveiro, criticised the Portuguese media, team and public on Instagram while defending her brother. Portugal’s next fixture after Denmark is a home match against Norway in Porto on Sunday, with the squad now focused on those commitments without its long-serving captain.