Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp After Coach’s…

(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to leave the Portugal camp after he was benched in the team’s last UEFA Nations League clash.

The Al-Nassr star was an unused substitute as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on Monday evening, with the player seen walking straight down the tunnel at the full-time whistle rather than greeting the away fans with his teammates.

Read: Ronaldo Benched As Portugal Extend Winning Start

The 40-year-old met with the president of the Portugese Football Federation on Wednesday to reportedly discuss his role in the team. However, Ronaldo has now decided to leave the camp and will not feature in Thursday’s clash against Denmark.

“After the National Team Coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said on X,

“In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.

“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception.”

On Wednesday, Portugal Jorge Jesus also commented on Ronaldo’s upset reaction to not featuring against Norway.

“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said, as per BBC Sport.

Read: Ronaldo ‘Calls’ Crisis Meeting After Being Benched

“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.”

“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about.”

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