Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team camp ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, saying he will explain the reasons for his departure “in due time”.
The Portugal captain announced his decision on Wednesday after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
His departure came shortly after head coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would not start against Denmark after remaining on the bench during Portugal’s previous match against Norway.
Jesus said Ronaldo was expected to train with the squad on Wednesday, but the 41-year-old left the training venue in Copenhagen instead.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently confirmed his departure and said preparations for the Denmark and Norway fixtures would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Ronaldo has said this season will probably be his final year in professional football. He remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
