Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has left Portugal’s camp after he was left on the bench for Sunday’s defeat of Norway.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, now 41, is comfortably Portugal’s top goalscorer and has made little secret of the fact his new career goal is to become the first man to score 1000 goals.
Benched for Norway match
After being a mainstay at the World Cup, Ronaldo was a surprise exclusion from the Portugal team to face Norway on Sunday. He started on the bench, with Goncalo Ramos preferred at striker, and stayed there for the duration.
He missed training earlier on Wednesday before confirming he had withdrawn from the national team for this international break. He will now miss subsequent Nations League ties against Denmark and Norway.
Ronaldo statement
Reports suggest he has fallen out with new manager Jorge Jesus, Portugal’s new head coach.
Writing on Instagram, Ronaldo confirmed his decision to leave the camp: “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 camp.
“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.”
Recent performances
Ronaldo started in Portugal’s first match of this international break, a 1-0 defeat of Wales, and was substituted after 67 minutes.
His inclusion in the World Cup squad was controversial as he struggled to impress on the pitch, managing three goals in five matches, two of which came against Uzbekistan in the group stage. The third came against DR Congo.
