Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Portugal National Team Camp Amidst Controversy

KATHMANDU. Coach Jorge Jesus announced on Thursday that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be included in the starting eleven for the match against Denmark, leading to controversy and uncertainty about his future in the national team. The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar has reportedly left the national team camp. Ronaldo announced his departure from the team late on Wednesday. Earlier, at a press conference, Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo would be kept out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game. The former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo was supposed to train with his teammates on the eve of the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at Parken Stadium, but he left after Jesus announced his game plan. "After the national team coach's press conference and after talking with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team role," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. Ronaldo spent the entire match on the bench in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday. Before that, he was captain in the 1-0 home win against Wales last Thursday. Since these matches are not as important as the World Cup or European Championship, it is common for national team coaches to rotate players. However, Ronaldo hinted that the reasons for Jesus's decision were deeper. "At the right time, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons for leaving my national team, to which I have always dedicated myself," he said. This indicates his permanent exit from the international stage. "It is time to wish all my teammates and Portugal all the best for the future, without any exceptions," he said. Spanish sports daily Marca reported that Jesus and Portuguese Federation President Pedro Proença followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport to persuade him to stay with the team, but he boarded his private jet. Jesus, 72, who was appointed in July, insisted on Wednesday that there was no disagreement between him and Ronaldo, admitting that the captain was disappointed to be on the bench against Norway. The news sparked a wave of outrage on social media and angry reactions from Ronaldo's sister, Elma Aveiro. 'They don't deserve any excellence,' she said on Instagram, referring to the Portuguese people. 'We are envious, hateful, and ignorant, and we deserve to return to the mediocrity of the football era before CR7.' The game in Oslo was the first time since November 2024 that Ronaldo did not play for Portugal without being injured or suspended. 'Nothing happened,' Jesus told reporters after that match. He took charge of Portugal after coaching Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr for a year. 'I was a player myself. I know that no player is happy when they warm up for 20 or 30 minutes and then don't come onto the field,' Jesus said on Wednesday. The Portuguese coach also said that he had informed Ronaldo before the game that he would not be in the starting eleven, and that he would likely be substituted later. Jesus said, 'As a coach, I decided not to play him later. This is not something to make a fuss about.' Following Ronaldo's departure, the Portuguese Football Federation stated, 'The preparation for the two matches against Denmark and Norway continues as planned with the remaining 24 players.' 'The entire delegation is fully focused on the upcoming matches of the national team and achieving the set objectives,' the federation said. Jesus had previously stated that he would start AC Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos against Denmark. He contributed the winning goal against Norway. 'If everything goes according to plan, Gonçalo will play,' he said. He added about Ronaldo, 'If I need him, it's possible for him to come. If the need is not felt, he will not be called.' Ronaldo had recently announced that this season would 'possibly be the last year of my football career.' He is considered Portugal's all-time top scorer and most famous player. He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. The former Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus striker made his international debut at the age of 18 in 2003. The following year, he played in the Euro 2004 final for the Portuguese team that lost to Greece as the host nation, and later, under his captaincy, they reached the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. He led the country to victory in Euro 2016. Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated from this year's World Cup in the Round of 16 by Spain.