Football

Cristiano Ronaldo created a torrent of confusion when he suddenly left Portugal camp just one day before the national team was scheduled to meet Denmark in UEFA Nations League play this international break.

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The 41-year-old superstar had been left as an unused substitute against Norway a few days prior, and multiple reports indicated he was frustrated by the proceedings of that match, plus the coach’s actions in the aftermath. Ronaldo was seen heading straight down the tunnel after the full-time whistle of Portugal’s 2-1 victory, instead of celebrating with his teammates.

A few days later, Ronaldo abruptly departed camp just minutes before training was due to begin, despite the protests of both head coach Jorge Jesus and Portugal federation president Pedro Proenca. Jesus went to the podium and staunchly defended his authority as head coach, saying emphatically that «I’m in charge» and insisting that «the rules are the same for everyone.»

In the immediate aftermath, Ronaldo promised that «in due time, I will tell all the Portuguese people the reasons that motivated my departure.» That explanation has now arrived, for the most part, as well as some clarification regarding Ronaldo’s intentions for his national team future.

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Cristiano Ronaldo apologizes for leaving Portugal camp

In a statement released to media on Tuesday, October 6, Cristiano Ronaldo apologized to both his Portugal teammates and the Portugal fans for his actions.

First, he said sorry to his teammates for leaving them high and dry at Portugal camp, during what must have been a very distracting and confusing few hours.

«I 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. The responsibility is exclusively mine.»

Next, Ronaldo apologized to the Portugal fans, who will have been left confused and disoriented by the actions he took in departing the national team.

«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 then seemed to suggest he would accept any punishment these actions bring on him, especially since he is held to a higher standard as team captain.

«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. I have already apologised, but I know that attitudes must have consequences.»

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not retiring from national team

While there have, understandably, been lots of questions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential retirement from the national team after he walked out on the squad, he has put much of that to bed.

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Ronaldo said that there «will have one or more farewell matches» in the future, but right now he wishes to be selected on sporting merit for competitive matches, not to usher him out of national team selection.

«I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity. I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone. I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that.

But when I think of the national team, what I really think of is competing. That is what I thought on the day I was given the news of my father’s death. I was at a camp with our national team and I decided to stay there until the end of the match the following day. I did for the country what I would never do for any club.

Therefore, if I am physically well, playing for my club, with goals I hope, after serving the suspension that may be applied to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.»

Cristiano Ronaldo blames coach ‘breach of trust’ for Portugal exit

Ronaldo did not hold back any punches when it comes to Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, who he still very clearly blames for his actions in departing national team camp.

He vaguely insisted that he was promised certain things, and those promises were not upheld, which led to his frustration and subsequent actions leaving the camp.

«I decided to leave the camp without waiting for any further breach of word. For me the truth is still the most important thing in the relationship between people. However much it hurts, let them tell me the truth. In fact, in a conversation I had with the President of the FPF and with the coach on the morning of the day of that press conference — they can certainly confirm this — I reaffirmed that if they did not want me there they should tell me. It was enough for them to be frank with me. I would accept that and I promised that we would prepare something beautiful, as I dream will happen, and no one would be left angry.

I remember it as if it were today. They replied in unison that no. That my place was in the National Team. Never, at any moment, have I interfered in any technical or tactical decision of any coach or national team manager in almost 25 years of career. I accept, for better or worse, what they propose that I do. I respect the decision, and when they break their word to me, I feel that my place is not there.»

Ronaldo did not indicate what the exact promises were that Jesus supposedly broke. However, multiple reports indicate that they are over playing time in certain matches, including reports that Ronaldo was upset about being told to warm up and then not entering the match.

Substitutes being told to warm up and then not coming into a match is incredibly common, as coaches often make substitution decisions last-minute based on the needs of a match.

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