Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after benching, sparking uncertainty over his international future
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Key Points
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Ronaldo is Portugal’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer; at 41, he had not started Portugal’s away wins over Norway and Denmark, and the team was due to face Norway again on Sunday.
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Portugal defender Renato Veiga said he remained close to Ronaldo and had great affection for him, but said he had been instructed not to discuss the situation.
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Thierry Henry said Portugal should resolve the dispute internally and argued that Ronaldo’s career should not be judged by the camp departure: “Do we judge an entire career based on this? Impossible.”
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Ronaldo is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, with the article noting it remains unclear whether he will reach it while playing for Portugal or at Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp after learning he would not start against Denmark, raising questions about his future with the national team. Manchester Evening News reported that Ronaldo departed following a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus. Portugal won the match 4-2 without him, but the squad now faces uncertainty about whether the 41-year-old legend will return.
Bruno Fernandes called for unity after Ronaldo's exit, describing him as Portugal's "greatest icon." AL Jazeera reported that Fernandes urged fans to avoid divisions. Coach Jorge Jesus said the team would address the situation after its next match against Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo's Benching Triggers Camp Departure
Ronaldo, 41, learned he would not start Portugal's match against Denmark and left the camp. Standard reported he had already been an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway. As Portugal's most-capped player and leading goalscorer, his benching marked a rare moment without him in the squad.
Portugal won 4-2 against Denmark without Ronaldo in the lineup. The team is set to face Norway again on Sunday. The exact reasons for Jesus's decision to bench the veteran striker remain unclear.
Fernandes Defends Ronaldo Amid Squad Tension
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes backed Ronaldo publicly, calling him Portugal's "greatest icon" and urging unity within the squad. Manchester Evening News reported that Fernandes spoke after having direct contact with Ronaldo. He pleaded with fans and teammates to avoid divisions over the situation.
Other players showed caution. Standard reported that defender Renato Veiga said he remained close to Ronaldo but was instructed not to discuss the matter. Nuno Mendes said players would welcome Ronaldo back but would not decide how to handle the situation.
Thierry Henry Warns Against Judging Legacy by Exit
Legendary footballer Thierry Henry said the camp departure should not overshadow Ronaldo's career. Standard reported Henry's message: "Do we judge an entire career based on this? Impossible." Henry praised Ronaldo's impact, commitment, and drive to excel throughout his playing life.
Henry argued that Portugal should resolve the dispute internally. Ronaldo is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals. It remains unclear whether he will reach this target while playing for Portugal or continue accumulating goals at Al Nassr.
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