Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from the Portugal camp, dramatically ending his legendary international career.
Ronaldo held talks with Portugal boss Jorge Jesus in a hastily organised crisis meeting on Wednesday after being left seething at missing out on their 2-1 triumph over Norway on Sunday. The discussions proved unsuccessful and the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward has departed the national setup in the midst of the international break.
Ronaldo's bombshell statement
He posted on Instagram: "After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team.
"In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself. Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception."
Ronaldo's explosive announcement arrived shortly after Jesus addressed reporters at a press conference, insisting there was no rift between himself and Portugal's record goalscorer.
Coach insists no incident
"There was no incident whatsoever," he said. "Any player - and I was a player myself - when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on, no-one is happy about that."
Elaborating on the circumstances, he added: "Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about.
"The way I was reading the game (against Norway), he didn't come on," he said. "Because it's not Cristiano, just like it will never be any player that will change my ideas as the coach. Never! Not him, not anyone in football. Not him, not anyone, not any president. Never! Zero!"
Ramos preferred in attack
Jesus opted for Goncalo Ramos against Norway and the AC Milan forward netted the decisive goal to maintain their flawless Nations League beginning. The former Benfica chief has confirmed Ramos will get the nod for the upcoming clash with Denmark.
Ronaldo recently disclosed that he had pondered his international future following Portugal's last 16 World Cup exit to Spain. He eventually chose to continue after veteran manager Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez, though their partnership has now brought the curtain down on his international journey spanning 234 caps and 146 goals.
Jesus found himself having to clarify why Ronaldo marched straight down the tunnel after the Norway triumph. "I did not realise he was upset," he said post-match. "Only he can answer that. What is certain is that not playing him does not mean I do not rely on him.
"In fact, before the match, I told him: 'I will not start you, but I will bring you on as a substitute.' This is football."
U-turn after determination pledge
Ronaldo's bombshell revelation arrives just a week after he outlined his fierce determination to keep representing his country. "I had a conversation with our president, with our coach," he said.
"I still believe that I'm able to help the national team to reach what they want, and will finish when I feel like I'm not doing anything here.
"I think I can give to the national team my support, not only through the goals, but also outside of football. This is a new young generation.
"But for me the basic point is to be able on the pitch to score the goals and to help the team win games."
