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Ronaldo Defers Portugal Retirement, Seeks Punishment for Camp Walkout
Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s team camp after a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus about when he would play.
Ronaldo said the coach had promised him certain things and did not keep those promises.
He apologized for leaving and said Portugal’s football federation should decide his punishment.
One report says the rules could allow a suspension and a fine, but it is not clear whether those rules apply to his departure.
Ronaldo says he still wants to play for Portugal after any suspension ends.
He also said he had once considered retiring but changed his mind after the federation asked him to stay.
Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença described the situation as a misunderstanding and said Ronaldo could return.
The accounts differ over whether trust between Ronaldo and Jesus had broken down.
Cristiano Ronaldo said he remains available for Portugal after serving any suspension, while promising farewell matches will come later.
He left Portugal’s Nations League camp after being unused against Norway and learning he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking agreements about his playing time and how the situation would be explained publicly.
Ronaldo apologized to teammates and Portuguese supporters and said the Portuguese Football Federation should assess and punish his actions.
Federation rules cited in one report allow a one-to-six-month suspension and a fine for unjustified absence; whether Ronaldo’s departure qualifies was unclear.
- Who
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, and the Portuguese Football Federation.
- What
- Ronaldo apologized for leaving Portugal’s camp, called for punishment, and said he remains willing to play for the national team.
- Where
- Portugal’s Nations League camp; Ronaldo’s statement was posted on Instagram.
- When
- Ronaldo posted his statement on Tuesday; he had left camp the previous week, after the Norway match and before Portugal’s match against Denmark.
- Why
- Ronaldo said he left because of a disagreement over his playing time and what Jesus would tell the media.
Ronaldo’s account
Jesus and federation’s account
Whether trust between Ronaldo and Jesus broke down
Ronaldo’s account
Ronaldo said Jesus broke his word twice, over his playing time and an agreed explanation to the media, leading him to leave camp.
Jesus and federation’s account
Jesus said there was no rift, while Jesus and Pedro Proença reportedly described the episode as a misunderstanding and said Ronaldo could return.
Circumstances of the departure
Ronaldo’s account
Ronaldo said he felt his staying would harm the group after the coach did not keep their agreements.
Jesus and federation’s account
The reports do not provide a detailed account from Jesus of the specific agreements Ronaldo described.
Key facts
- Ronaldo’s age
- 41
- Matches involved
- Portugal’s Nations League matches against Norway and Denmark
- Norway match
- Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win.
- Denmark match
- Portugal beat Denmark 4-2; Ronaldo said he had been told he would not start.
- Possible disciplinary penalty
- One report says federation rules provide for a one-to-six-month suspension and a fine for unjustified absence.
- Ronaldo’s position
- He said he would be available after any suspension and promised that farewell matches would come later.
- Federation response
- Pedro Proença and Jesus reportedly downplayed the episode as a misunderstanding and said Ronaldo could return.
Quotes
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal and Al-Nassr forward
“The responsibility is entirely mine. I apologize 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 staying would only harm the group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I didn't feel useful: I picked up my bags and left.”
telegraphindia.com
“Therefore, if I am physically fit, playing for my club, hopefully scoring goals, then after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team.”
telegraphindia.com
indianexpress.com
Sources
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