Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence after leaving Portugal’s Nations League camp, saying he will reveal the truth about his decision “in due course” and wishing the national team and his teammates good luck.
The Portugal captain posted the message on social media after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proena and following Jorge Jesus’ press conference on Wednesday.
“Following the national team’s coach press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote.
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“In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.”
He signed off by saying: “Now is the right time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my team-mates, without exception.”
The tone of the message has raised questions over whether Ronaldo’s international career could be coming to an end, although he did not announce his retirement. GOAL described the post as carrying the tone of a farewell.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday, just a day before the team was due to face Denmark in the Nations League.
The decision came after a difficult few days for the 41-year-old.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday. Jesus had told him he would come off the bench but eventually decided against bringing him on.
Ronaldo then worked in the gym instead of training with the rest of the squad on Monday and Tuesday. He was not injured.
Jesus had insisted there was no major issue between them. At his press conference on Wednesday, the Portugal coach said Ronaldo would train with the team and made it clear that he would decide whether the forward played against Denmark.
“I am the coach,” Jesus said. “I told the player that he would not start the match, and that he would be on the substitutes’ bench.”
Ronaldo, however, left the team’s base shortly after the press conference. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, he left Parken Stadium in a Portuguese Football Federation vehicle as his teammates were arriving for training.
Jesus had earlier said Ronaldo was unhappy after being left out against Norway but insisted the matter was over.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo had left the camp. Portugal will continue preparations for the Denmark match with the remaining players.
The timing of Ronaldo’s statement has also brought his international future into focus.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s most-capped player, with 234 appearances, and the country’s record goalscorer with 146 goals. He has represented Portugal for more than two decades.
He has also spoken recently about the possibility of his playing career coming to an end. In August, Ronaldo said 2026 would probably be his final year as a professional footballer.
For now, though, there has been no formal retirement announcement.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
