Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal national team’s concentration in Copenhagen this Wednesday, one day before the match against Denmark for the third day of the Nations League, after the controversy generated by his statements and the decisions of coach Jorge Jesus.
The Portuguese striker left the facilities in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle and later headed to the airport, according to information from Portugal.
The departure occurred after Jorge Jesus explained in a press conference the substitution of Cristiano Ronaldo in the match against Norway. The coach assured that he had previously spoken with the attacker and that it was expected that he would not play either that match or the next one against Denmark, after having started against Wales in the first match.
However, during the match against Norway, the coach decided to send Cristiano Ronaldo to warm up for approximately 30 minutes due to the possibility of needing him during the match. Finally, the forward did not enter the field of play.
The situation would have generated frustration in Cristiano, who would not have understood the decision to warm up for a prolonged period without ending up participating in the match.
The coach also wanted to make it clear that sporting decisions correspond to his responsibility. “There is no case” with Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesus assured, in an attempt to downplay the situation.
Despite the coach’s explanations, Cristiano Ronaldo ended up leaving the Portuguese team. The footballer did not participate in the training after the match and left the facilities while the rest of the team was on the field.
Portugal must face Denmark this Thursday in Copenhagen, on the third day of the Nations League. The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo was already ruled out for that match before his departure from the camp.
The situation now opens a new episode regarding the relationship between the Portuguese captain and Jorge Jesus, although the parties have not publicly confirmed that there is a larger internal conflict.
