Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised for walking out of Portugal’s training camp and said he remains available for the national team, potentially paving the way for his return after the dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, explaining his decision to leave the squad and accusing Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp after being an unused substitute in the team’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway and subsequently being told he would not start the following match against Denmark.
According to Ronaldo, he and Jesus had initially agreed on a plan to manage his involvement during the international window. He said the arrangement changed on the day of the Norway match after the coach told him he would play for about 30 minutes.
Ronaldo said he warmed up from half-time but was ultimately not introduced, which he described as the first occasion on which Jesus failed to keep his word.
The Portugal captain said he later met with Jesus and that they reached an understanding over how the situation would be explained publicly.
However, Ronaldo claimed the coach's subsequent press conference did not reflect what had been agreed.
He described that as the second time Jesus had broken his word and said he consequently decided to leave the training camp.
“It was the second time he failed to keep his word. I decided to leave the camp without waiting for any further broken promises,” Ronaldo said, according to Reuters.
Despite his criticism of the coach, Ronaldo accepted responsibility for his decision to leave the squad.
“I owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp,” he said, acknowledging that he should not have walked out despite his disagreement with the coach.
He also apologised to Portugal supporters for failing to greet them after the Norway match.
Ronaldo said his status as captain made the incident more serious and accepted that the Portuguese Football Federation should determine an appropriate punishment.
“The consequences of my actions must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation,” he said.
He further indicated that he would accept any suspension imposed on him.
However, Ronaldo made clear that he has not closed the door on his international career.
He said that if he remains physically fit, continues playing for his club and completes any suspension imposed by the federation, he will remain available to represent Portugal.
“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” Ronaldo said.
The statement marks a significant shift from the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s international future following his abrupt departure from the squad.
Before his latest comments, his walkout had generated speculation that his international career could be coming to an end, particularly after Portugal's 2026 World Cup campaign.
Jesus, however, had already indicated that Ronaldo could return if he wanted to. Following Portugal's victory over Norway, the coach said the door remained open for the veteran forward.
Jesus has disputed Ronaldo's account of their agreement, saying he did not make the arrangement described by the player. The Portuguese Football Federation had not immediately issued a detailed response to Ronaldo's latest statement.
Ronaldo also rejected suggestions that he had attempted to interfere with the coach's tactical decisions, insisting that he had respected the decisions of Portugal managers throughout his international career.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner remains Portugal's most-capped player and leading international goalscorer, with 234 appearances and 146 goals for his country.
For now, Ronaldo's latest statement leaves his international future open, although his possible return will depend on his fitness, the federation's disciplinary decision and the continuing relationship between the player and Jesus.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments