RONALDO LEAVES PORTUGAL TRAINING CAMP

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team’s training camp ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark, saying he will reveal the reasons for his decision at a later date.

Ronaldo announced his departure on Wednesday after the national team coach, Jorge Jesus, held a press conference. The forward said he also spoke with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before deciding to leave the camp.

“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” Ronaldo said in a statement.

The development comes amid reports of tension between Ronaldo and Jesus. Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday and did not play. He had also trained separately from the squad in the days leading up to the Denmark match.

Jesus had confirmed that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark, saying he had informed the captain that he would begin the match on the bench. The coach also denied that Ronaldo had refused to train and said there was no major problem between them.

Ronaldo ended his statement by wishing Portugal and his teammates success in the upcoming match. The exact circumstances behind his departure remain undisclosed, with the 41-year-old saying he would explain his reasons “in due time.”