Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has no intention of retiring from international football despite his controversial walkout from Portugal’s Nations League camp.
The 41-year-old left the squad after being an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on September 27 and subsequently discovering he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo said his decision stemmed from a breakdown in trust with head coach Jorge Jesus, claiming the manager had agreed that he would be rested for the two matches as part of a plan to manage his fitness, but then told him on the day of the Norway match that he would play for 30 minutes.
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, Ronaldo said, “I warmed up from halftime onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on. The manager had broken his word to me.”
He said it was the second time Jesus had failed to keep his word, prompting him to leave the training camp. Jesus subsequently denied that any such agreement had been made, although he said the door remained open for Ronaldo to return.
Despite the dispute, Ronaldo made it clear his international career is not over and apologised to his teammates and supporters. He said if he is physically well and playing for his club, he will be available to compete and win for the national team after serving any suspension that may be applied.
He also asked the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him for his actions, stating that the punishment should not be reduced because he is the captain.
