Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he has left Portugal’s national team camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League game against Denmark on Thursday.
Ronaldo announced his exit in a statement on Wednesday, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus said he was not planning to start the 41-year-old in Thursday’s game in Copenhagen. Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons for his decision “in due course.”
Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer with 146 goals and pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, didn’t play on Sunday in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway. He has not trained with the rest of the group since, sparking widespread rumors about a possible feud with Jesus.
“After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram.
“In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.
“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.”