Ronaldo left Portugal camp after dispute over playing plans, says Marca

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark for Madrid on Wednesday after a disagreement over his expected involvement in the team’s upcoming matches, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

The report says Ronaldo had never demanded to play in all four of Portugal’s fixtures during the international break. Instead, the agreed plan was for the captain to feature in two of the four matches, a proposal he accepted without objection.

The disagreement arose after Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would play in the next two matches, before later reversing that decision.

Ronaldo reportedly felt disrespected by the Portuguese Football Federation. The organisation had previously asked him not to retire from international football and promised to treat him with complete respect until 2027.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo subsequently reported that Ronaldo had decided not to return to Portugal duty and would prefer to retire from international football.

Ronaldo has won 234 caps for Portugal, scoring 146 goals and providing 45 assists. He has also helped the national team win the European Championship once and the Nations League twice.

In a statement on his official social media accounts, Ronaldo said: “After the national team manager’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp.”

He added: “At the right time, I will explain to all Portuguese people the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.”

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

Emergency meeting held in Sweden

As the controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s departure intensified, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca changed his plans and joined the senior squad. He abandoned his intention to attend Portugal Under-21s’ match and returned to Denmark for an urgent meeting with Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo.

The meeting took place on Wednesday morning at the Portugal team hotel in Malmo and was described as calm and friendly.

However, Ronaldo’s absence from Wednesday’s training session created a fresh development in the dispute. His decision came only minutes after Jesus had confirmed that the player would take part in the workout.

Portugal are due to face Denmark on Thursday in the third round of Group D matches in the Nations League.

Portugal currently lead the group on six points, ahead of Denmark, Norway and Wales.

Ronaldo played in the opening-round victory over Wales, which Portugal won 1-0. He did not feature in the second-round match against Norway, although Portugal won that game 2-1.