Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he is not retiring from international football, but says he deserves to be punished for walking out of Portugal’s Nations League camp.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain left the national team camp last week after being an unused substitute in the match against Norway and later learning he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo says his decision came after head coach Jorge Jesus broke his word twice, which he described as an absolute breach of trust.
He says the coach had told him he would play against Norway, but he was not brought on despite warming up from half-time.
He also claims they later agreed on what would be said publicly about the incident, but says the coach did not follow that agreement.
Despite the controversy, Ronaldo says he wants to continue playing for Portugal as long as he remains fit and is performing for his club.
He has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both world records, and has helped the country win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
Ronaldo says the Portuguese Football Federation should punish him for leaving the camp, adding that he has already apologised and accepts that his actions have consequences.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has denied that there is a rift with Ronaldo and says the door remains open for the captain to return to the national team.
Ronaldo says once his suspension is over, he will be available as always to compete and try to win with Portugal.
Source: BBC Sport
