Nuno Mendes says Portugal are focused on football after Cristiano Ronaldo leaves camp

Portugal defender Nuno Mendes says the squad is concentrating on its next match rather than Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national-team camp.

Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in the third round of Group D fixtures in the UEFA Nations League, with Ronaldo having left the camp in Denmark on Wednesday, one day before the match.

Asked by reporters about the news, Mendes said: “As is clear, he is a player for the Portugal national team, but we are focusing more on what we have to do now and on the next match.”

He added: “We are only focused on football and on what the coach asks of us, so that we can play on the pitch. I think the other matters are not for us to decide.”

Mendes also said the squad would welcome any player selected for Portugal.

“We are here to welcome any player who is part of the national team, and we are focused on football,” he said. “What we did today was very important.”

Ronaldo’s departure came after he was not involved in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in the second round of Group D matches in the UEFA Nations League.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported that Ronaldo had decided not to represent Portugal again and was considering international retirement.

The forward has made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals and providing 45 assists. He has won the European Championship once and the UEFA Nations League twice with his country.

Portugal are top of Group D with nine points from three wins, giving them a perfect record in the competition.