Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal squad after reported Jorge Jesus disagreement

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp before Thursday’s Nations League match against Denmark and says he will explain his decision “in due course”.

The 41-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday, shortly after head coach Jorge Jesus denied there had been a breakdown in their relationship.

“After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

“In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.

“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”

Ronaldo’s departure follows several days of speculation about his relationship with Jesus and his role within the team.

He started Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Wales last Thursday, but was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 win against Norway. Goncalo Ramos started that match and scored the winning goal, while Ronaldo did not come off the bench.

The Al-Nassr forward also did not join his team-mates in applauding the travelling supporters after the final whistle, instead going directly to the dressing room.

Jesus addressed the situation before Thursday’s meeting with Denmark and said there had been no incident between him and Ronaldo.

The Portugal manager explained that he had initially told Ronaldo he was likely to feature against Norway, but changed his decision during the game.

“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.

He also dismissed reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, saying the forward had instead been carrying out individual mobility and strengthening exercises.

According to Jesus, Ronaldo accepted that team selection was the manager’s responsibility. He indicated that Ramos would start against Denmark, with Ronaldo available as a substitute if required.

“If we need (Ronaldo) to play (at some point), he’ll play. If not, he won’t,” Jesus said.

Ronaldo’s decision leaves uncertainty over his immediate international future, although he has not announced his retirement from Portugal duty.

He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country and recently said he had considered ending his international career after the World Cup.

The forward eventually chose to continue while pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals. However, his departure from the camp means he will miss Portugal’s game against Denmark in Copenhagen.

Portugal will then host Norway on Sunday.