Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended by the Portuguese FA following his angry walkout from the national team camp. The veteran forward left the camp after a row with coach Jorge Jesus, reportedly over the amount of minutes Ronaldo played during the international break.
Despite apologising in a lengthy statement, in which he suggested he should be punished by the Portuguese FA, Ronaldo has already met the consequences. Portuguese Football Federation rules have automatically triggered a suspension, and a disciplinary council will now decide on the length of the ban, which could be anything between one and six months.
Possible ban length and upcoming fixtures
Anything longer than a month would see Ronaldo ruled out of his nation's Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales next month. The disciplinary council will consider all aspects, including Ronaldo's apology, when assessing a potential ban, though ESPN has suggested that a shorter ban is more likely.
Ronaldo's apology and Jesus's response
Speaking on Tuesday, Ronaldo said: "I also owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp. Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it."
He added: "The responsibility is exclusively mine. I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but the breaking of one’s word has, for me, a defining impact. I felt that, from that point on, my remaining would only harm the working group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I did not feel useful: I packed my bags and left."
Ronaldo continued: "The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation. I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor."
He concluded: "I have already apologised, but I know that attitudes must have consequences. Anyone who is in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone."
Boss Jesus responded in the aftermath and said: "I read the statement and now I do (like I do) every day. I’m going to the federation to work, think about the team."
Ronaldo's Portugal career
In all, Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal since making his debut back in 2014. In that time, he has scored a record 146 goals.
