Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp Amid Alleged Rift With Coach Jorge Jesus

Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp Amid Alleged Rift With Coach Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team training camp following the national team coach’s press conference and a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, amid reports of a possible disagreement between the veteran forward and coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo explained his decision in a statement, saying, “After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the National Team training camp.” He added, “In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself…”

Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer with 146 goals and pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, did not feature in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. The 41-year-old has also not trained with the rest of the squad since, fuelling speculation about a possible disagreement with Jesus.

Jesus dismissed suggestions of a dispute with Ronaldo, saying, “It seems like there was an issue between us, but there was no issue,” before adding, “I’m the one who makes the decisions and everybody knows that.”

Ronaldo did not train with the team on Wednesday and subsequently left the stadium where the squad was preparing for the match. His departure from the camp came after his discussions with the Portuguese Football Federation president and the coach’s press conference.

Despite the development, Ronaldo ended his statement by sending his support to the national team and his teammates, saying, “Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates!”