Ronaldo leaves the national team camp and publishes a statement: I will tell the Portuguese riot the truth

Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo announced, via his Instagram account, on Wednesday, his departure from his country’s national team camp, during the current international break. Ronaldo wrote: “After the press conference of the national team coach (Jorge Jesus) and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (Pedro Proenca), I made the decision to leave the national team camp.”

He added: "In due time, I will tell the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always been committed." He continued: “Now it is time to wish success to Portugal and to all my teammates without exception.”

In his press conference, which was held a few hours before the Saudi Al-Nasr club player’s statement, coach Jesus denied that there was a dispute with Ronaldo due to his not participating in the matches, according to the “TNT Sports” network. The 41-year-old sat on the bench during the match against Norway, last Sunday, in the second round of the European Nations League, as he did not have a single playing minute.

At that time, Jorge Jesus said about Ronaldo’s non-participation: “He did not participate. I was thinking about including him, perhaps for half an hour, but the course of the match dictated other matters. I felt that the time was not appropriate to include him.” He continued: "It was a tactical decision. I did not think it was the ideal moment. I needed a player with different characteristics, but that does not mean that he is out of options. Quite the opposite."

He added: "I actually agreed with him to play the last half hour, but the match did not require that. Goncalo Ramos was playing well, and he scored a goal, then another goal was disallowed. I felt that it was not the right time to remove Ramos." The 72-year-old coach explained: “As the match continues, it is no longer the right time for Chris to enter, but rather it is time for another player to help maintain the balance and secure the result.”

Jesus confirmed: “He (Ronaldo) had the same opportunity that others had. Everything was the same. When I felt he needed to play, he would play, just as is the case with others.”