Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp in Anger: 'I Will Reveal the Truth Behind the Reasons at the Right Time'
Jesus stands firm on his tactical decisions... and “Marca”: Doubts over Cristiano’s future with his national team
Hours had not passed since Giorgos Giannakopoulos attempted to close the door on talk of a crisis with Cristiano Ronaldo, until the Portugal captain threw it wide open again by leaving his national team’s camp on the eve of their Nations League match against Denmark, confirming that he would later reveal the true reasons behind his decision.
Ronaldo, in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, confirmed that he made the decision to leave after listening to the coach’s press conference and having a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Ronaldo said he would reveal to the Portuguese people, at the appropriate time, the true reasons that led him to leave the national team to which he has long dedicated himself, wishing Portugal and all his teammates success.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure from the camp, clarifying that the national team would continue its preparations for the Denmark match with the remaining players.
The move came hours after Giannakopoulos denied any problem with the team captain and refuted claims that Ronaldo had refused to train, explaining that he had done work in the gym and was scheduled to return to group training.
Ronaldo had remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway last Sunday, despite having warmed up in preparation to play.
Giannakopoulos explained after the match that he had intended to bring Ronaldo on during the final 30 minutes, but the flow of the game led him to keep the existing lineup on the pitch. Meanwhile, “Marca” reported that Ronaldo expressed anger after not being substituted into the match.
According to “Marca,” Ronaldo held a meeting with Giannakopoulos, attended by the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, in an attempt to address the situation following the Norway match, before the national team captain left the camp after the coach’s comments.
The Spanish newspaper noted that Ronaldo departed in a vehicle provided by the Portuguese Football Federation, and that his private jet was en route to Copenhagen to take him to Madrid.
“Marca” indicated that Ronaldo’s early departure from the camp could open the door to the end of his career with the Portuguese national team, while “Reuters” reported that the developments had raised questions about his international future, with no announcement from the player regarding retirement from the national team.
