Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after Jorge Jesus confirms he will not start

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark and flew back to Madrid after manager Jorge Jesus said he would not select him in the starting line-up for Thursday’s match.

Ronaldo’s departure came only minutes after Jesus addressed the media and insisted there was no dispute between the pair. However, the Portugal manager made clear that he would not alter his tactical decisions for one player.

The incident has led to widespread belief in Portugal that Ronaldo’s departure could mark the end of his international career. No official announcement has been made, though, and the 23-year spell that has seen him represent Portugal remains ongoing for now.

Ronaldo has helped establish Portugal as a major force in international football and has won three trophies with the national team: one European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles.

Spanish newspaper Marca described the way the situation unfolded as an unexpected conclusion to what had been an extraordinary international career.

What might have ended with a major farewell ceremony during a Portugal match and a formal tribute instead developed into a strained and unusual departure, with further details emerging gradually.

Ronaldo had travelled to Denmark with the rest of the squad. After hearing Jesus’ comments, he left the training ground where the team had been preparing, returned to the hotel and collected his luggage.

He then arranged for his private aircraft, which had been in Madrid, to take him back to the Spanish capital. The plane landed in Copenhagen at about 22:15 Spain time – 23:15 in Cairo and Mecca – before departing for Madrid again one hour and 20 minutes later.

Although Ronaldo left, two senior figures remained at the airport after making a final attempt to persuade him to stay with the squad.

Jesus accompanied the Portugal captain to the airport, along with Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation. The pair reportedly tried to convince Ronaldo to remain in Copenhagen with the rest of the team before Thursday’s fixture.

Despite their efforts, Ronaldo rejected the request. He boarded the aircraft and left Jesus and Proenca at the airport.