Cristiano Ronaldo felt betrayed by Portugal manager Jorge Jesus before walking out of the national team camp, according to a close friend of the legendary striker.
The 41-year-old left Portugal’s Copenhagen base on Wednesday, one day before their Nations League match against Denmark.
His departure followed several turbulent days after he remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo warmed up for approximately 30 minutes but was never introduced and walked directly down the tunnel after the final whistle.
Ronaldo promises to reveal ‘the truth’
Ronaldo subsequently trained separately in the gym on Monday and Tuesday despite Portugal confirming that he was not injured.
Jesus denied reports that the captain had refused to train but acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy about being left on the bench.
Shortly after the manager addressed the controversy at a press conference, Ronaldo announced that he had left the camp following a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Ronaldo said he would explain “the truth” behind his departure in due course, while maintaining that he had always been fully committed to Portugal.
He wished his teammates well but did not indicate whether he intended to retire from international football.
The Portuguese federation confirmed his departure and said the remaining 24 players were fully focused on the forthcoming matches against Denmark and Norway.
Friend claims Ronaldo felt betrayed
Spanish television journalist Edu Aguirre, a close friend of Ronaldo, later offered a version of the events during an appearance on El Chiringuito.
Aguirre claimed Jesus apologised privately to Ronaldo for making him warm up against Norway without bringing him onto the pitch.
According to Aguirre, the manager promised Ronaldo that he would repeat the apology publicly and acknowledge making a mistake during his press conference.
However, Ronaldo allegedly felt Jesus did the opposite by attempting to demonstrate publicly that the captain was merely another member of the squad under the manager’s authority.
“For him, it’s a betrayal,” Aguirre said while explaining Ronaldo’s decision to leave.
The account has not been publicly confirmed by Ronaldo, Jesus or the Portuguese Football Federation.
Jesus defends decision to bench Ronaldo
Jesus admitted that asking Ronaldo to warm up for up to half an hour without using him was a mistake but denied that a serious dispute had occurred.
The manager said he had initially considered introducing Ronaldo before deciding the circumstances of the match required a different approach.
Jesus also revealed that Ronaldo had told him he would accept whatever role the coach selected, including starting, sitting on the bench or watching from the stands.
He confirmed before Thursday’s match that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark, although he had insisted the striker would train with the squad.
Ronaldo instead left the camp shortly afterwards.
Portugal future remains uncertain
Ronaldo’s sudden departure has raised questions about whether his extraordinary international career is approaching its conclusion.
He made his Portugal debut in 2003 and is the leading appearance-maker and goalscorer in men’s international football, with 234 caps and 146 goals.
However, neither Ronaldo nor the federation has announced his international retirement.
Any suggestion that he has played his final match for Portugal therefore remains speculation until Ronaldo explains his decision or confirms his future plans.
