Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp before Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark, throwing another curveball to the intensifying concerns over the 41-year-old forward’s standing with new head coach Jorge Jesus. The former Manchester United man revealed on Wednesday that he has left the Portuguese Football Federation camp following a conversation with president Pedro Proena. Ronaldo stated that he would reveal the reasons for his exit in due time but concluded that his loyalty to his country was never in doubt. The 41-year-old had been recently omitted from the starting XI for their 2-1 victory over Norway, and his exit came soon after Jesus stated that he would not be starting up front against Denmark.

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Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp Ahead Of Denmark Match

Ronaldo did not train with the Portugal squad on Wednesday and later left the team’s preparations in Copenhagen. Ronaldo’s decision came after Portugal’s head coach Jesus' news conference. Jesus said that Goncalo Ramos was scheduled to lead the attack when Portugal faced Denmark, without an injury. Ronaldo then issued a statement on his Instagram account. In the statement, he said that he felt the need to leave the training camp after the press conference, where he had a discussion with the federation president.

The Portugal captain failed to explain all the details of what led to the situation he was in, though he stated that he would do so in the future. He also sent the message of “all the best to Portugal and my teammates”. On its own, it isn’t an indication of an international retirement announcement. For this Nations League window, Ronaldo was called up by Jesus to his first Portugal squad.

Jorge Jesus Denies Feud With Cristiano Ronaldo

The circumstances of out had already drawn attention after Ronaldo had been an unused sub for Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway. It was the first time in several years that he had been on the bench for an entire competitive International game, only fueling further rumours about his relationship with Jesus. Jesus denied there was any personal animosity between the pair. The 50-year-old said that the final choice was his own and insisted that the rules applied to all players, including the duo.

Jesus also confirmed that Ronaldo had told him he was most likely to start the game against Norway but was changed during the game. Gonçalo Ramos was doing well by scoring a goal so the coach decided to keep him on the pitch. Jesus also said it was frustrating for Ronaldo that he could be warming up for 30 minutes and then not be introduced. But Jesus felt the decision was not up to him.

Ronaldo’s Role Had Already Changed Under Jesus

Since the beginning of the Nations League, for the first time doing it at the International level, Ronaldo, widely known for his performance at club level, has not been involved in the team’s game, which has become one of the main talking points of Portugal’s first game under Jesus. The striker was included in the starting line-up for the game against Wales but was brought off at the interval in that same international break. Yet he didn't appear in the Norway game, although Portugal won 2-1.

Portugal Face Denmark Without Ronaldo

Portugal come into the Denmark game at the top of Nations League Group A4 having enjoyed a win from their two previous meetings with Wales and Norway. Denmark have collected three points from their two matches. The game is scheduled for Thursday, 2 October, in Copenhagen. Portugal will then face Norway on 4 October. Ronaldo’s absence changes the immediate selection picture for Jesus, with Ramos expected to lead the attack against Denmark. João Félix has also scored in Portugal’s opening matches of the campaign, giving Jesus other attacking options.

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For now, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football. His declaration seemed to leave the door open as to the reasons for his departure, with the Portugal captain stating that he will reveal the reasons in due course. So, the next chapter will depend on what Ronaldo says and how the Portuguese federation and Jesus respond. But for Portugal, there is only one priority: to focus on the task of qualifying against Denmark without their captain and all-time highest International goal scorer.

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