Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp After Norway Selection Dispute
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s Copenhagen base after a dispute over his role in the recent 2-1 Nations League win against Norway, placing his availability for the match with Denmark in doubt.
The 41-year-old remained unused throughout the Norway game, with João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos selected to start. Ronaldo went straight to the dressing room after the final whistle, visibly unhappy at being left on the bench.
Quick facts
- Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in their latest Nations League fixture.
- Ronaldo did not play, while João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos started.
- Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo had been due to miss Portugal’s first two matches.
- Federation president Pedro Proença met Ronaldo and Jesus following the incident.
- Ronaldo was later seen leaving Parken Stadium in a black van, with a private jet due to take him to Madrid.
Jorge Jesus had earlier said Ronaldo would take part in Wednesday’s training session, but acknowledged that his handling of the Norway match had worsened the situation. The coach said he should not have asked the forward to begin warming up when he had no intention of using him.
Jesus explained that an agreement had been reached for Ronaldo to sit out the opening two fixtures. However, his decision during the match to send the captain to warm up created the expectation of an introduction and added to the player’s frustration when no substitution followed.
Pedro Proença subsequently held an emergency discussion with both Ronaldo and Jesus. The Portugal coach rejected suggestions that his captain had refused to train, insisting there had been no player mutiny.
Jesus also made clear that selection decisions would remain his responsibility, saying no player, president or other figure in football would alter his judgement. Ronaldo’s departure from Parken Stadium shortly afterwards nevertheless leaves Portugal preparing to face Denmark without their record international.
His private aircraft was travelling to Denmark ahead of a planned return to Madrid on Tuesday night. The early exit has intensified uncertainty over whether Ronaldo will resume his Portugal duties or whether the episode could prove a significant moment in his international career.
