Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed any thoughts of immediate international retirement, confirming his commitment to the national squad despite a controversial exit from training camp during the latest international break.
Releasing a detailed public statement, the 41-year-old explained that newly appointed manager Jorge Jesus failed to keep his word regarding playing time ahead of key UEFA Nations League fixtures.
While voicing frustration over the broken communication, the veteran forward accepted full accountability for walking away from the team prior to their clash with Denmark, offering a sincere apology to his teammates and supporters.
“I can promise all my fans, and naturally especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches. There will be time for that,” Ronaldo stated.
“Therefore, if I am physically fit, playing for my club, hopefully scoring goals, then after serving whatever suspension is imposed on me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” he added.
Ronaldo happy to accept sanctions from the Portuguese federation
Ronaldo’s dramatic departure unfolded after he remained an unused substitute against Norway and was subsequently informed he would not feature in the starting lineup against Denmark. Under official federation regulations, abandoning a training camp without prior authorisation can lead to a suspension ranging from one to six months alongside financial penalties.
Recognising that disciplinary action is inevitable, the team captain insisted that his high status should not exempt him from standard protocols:
“Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach’s word, as anyone who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it. The responsibility is entirely mine. I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but the breaking of one’s word has, for me, a defining impact.” Ronaldo said.
“I believe the punishment should have no mitigating factors,” he added, noting that “the rules are the same for everyone.”
Although coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca have attempted to downplay the dispute as a simple misunderstanding, Ronaldo’s return to the field will depend entirely on the final disciplinary ruling once he resumes club duties with Al-Nassr.
