Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after talks with federation president

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp after consulting Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca, saying he would explain the reasons for his decision at a later date.

Portugal are preparing to face Denmark on Thursday in the third round of Group D matches in the Nations League. Ronaldo, the national team captain, announced his departure in a statement posted on his official Facebook account.

“After the national team manager’s news conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp,” Ronaldo said.

“At the right time, I will tell all Portuguese people about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always devoted myself.”

He added: “Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates, without exception, the best of luck.”

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo left Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in a car belonging to the Portuguese Football Federation. His departure came while all of his team-mates apart from Francisco Conceicao were on the pitch, amid a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.

The situation prompted Proenca to alter his plans and join the senior squad’s camp. He had been due to attend Portugal Under-21s’ match but abandoned that engagement and returned to Denmark for an urgent meeting with Jesus and Ronaldo.

That meeting took place on Wednesday morning at the Portugal team’s hotel in Malmo. It was described as having been held in a calm and friendly atmosphere.

However, Ronaldo’s absence from Wednesday’s training session created another development in the dispute. His non-attendance came only minutes after Jesus had confirmed that the player would take part in the session.

Joao Felix was the main new presence in Portugal’s training session on the eve of the Denmark match. Jesus also confirmed that Francisco Conceicao would miss the game.

Portugal lead Group D with six points.