Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp, says he will explain reasons “in time”

Cristiano Ronaldo says he has left Portugal's international camp and will explain the reasons why "in time".

It comes after head coach Jorge Jesus earlier said there was no rift with the captain, following claims the five-times Ballon d'Or winner had refused to train.

Ronaldo has said he considered retiring from international football after the World Cup in the summer but opted to continue as he chases down 1,000 career goals.

He was included in Jesus' 25-man squad for the current international break and started the opening Nations League game against Wales.

However, the Al-Nassr forward did not feature in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway in Olso on Monday and did not join his team-mates in going over to the visiting fans at the final whistle.

Instead, Ronaldo headed to the changing rooms - prompting reports he was unhappy with the manager.

Speaking to media before Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark tomorrow, Jesus said there was no incident whatsoever.

Jesus said he had told Ronaldo before the match he would not be starting, but might be brought on later in the game.

He said afterwards, he decided not to bring him on, adding, it's nothing to make a fuss about.

Jesus also dismissed suggestions Ronaldo had refused to train yesterday, saying the 41-year-old instead had to do individual exercises for "mobility" and "strengthening" but would train as normal on Wednesday.

However, Ronaldo did not join his team-mates on the pitch in Denmark with Portuguese media sharing a video of him leaving Parken stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff.

And the player later took to Instagram to announce his departure.

He wrote that after the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, he has decided to leave the national team training camp.

Ronaldo said, in time, he will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated him to leave.

He added he wished his team-mates good luck in their forthcoming games.

Source: BBC Sports