Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after Jesus confirms he will not start against Denmark

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Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the veteran forward would not be included in the starting lineup for Thursday’s crucial Nations League clash against Denmark.

Ronaldo’s departure came shortly after Jesus spoke to the media ahead of the match and disclosed that the 41-year-old would not start the encounter.

In a statement announcing his decision, Ronaldo said he had spoken with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation before leaving the camp.

“Following the national team coach’s press conference, and after a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo said.

He added: “In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been fully committed.”

“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates, without exception, the best of luck,” he said.

Jesus had earlier confirmed that Ronaldo was not part of his starting plans for the meeting with Denmark, although he left open the possibility of using him as a substitute.

When asked whether Ronaldo could feature for about 30 minutes, Jesus said: “Of course I have and perhaps even more. Ronaldo is never going to change my ideas. If I say he isn’t coming on, then he isn’t coming on.”

Ronaldo was later seen leaving the Parken Stadium on Wednesday evening as Portugal prepared for its final training session ahead of the match.

Jesus had previously indicated that the veteran striker would take part in the session. Reports also suggested that Ronaldo’s private aircraft was travelling to Copenhagen, further fuelling speculation that he was preparing to leave the national team camp.

Jesus insists he has final say

Ronaldo became the central focus of Jesus’ pre-match press conference, despite the coach initially indicating that he was willing to answer only one or two questions about Portugal’s captain.

Portuguese journalists continued to press him on the subject, leading to an extended discussion about Ronaldo and his role in the team.

“This is about Denmark, not Ronaldo. We have come here to face a good opponent,” Jesus said.

The coach also stressed that Ronaldo’s reputation would not determine his team selection.

“Ronaldo isn’t going to play just because everyone is talking about him.”

“I am the coach. I set the agenda.”

Jesus was also asked about reports that Ronaldo had been prevented from training with the squad following his absence from recent sessions.

He rejected the suggestion and maintained that Ronaldo remained free to train alongside his teammates.

“Ronaldo is welcome to train with the team.”

Ronaldo’s decision to leave the camp has added further uncertainty to Portugal’s preparations for the Denmark match. The veteran forward has yet to publicly disclose the full reasons for his departure.

By: Paulina Armah/Radio1.