Portugal’s national team faced a surprise occurrence on Wednesday September 30, when Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad’s camp in Copenhagen following moments of tension between him and coach Jorge Jesus. 

Ronaldo headed to Madrid aboard his private jet, a move that opens the door to crucial questions about his future with the national team, and whether these developments could mark the beginning of the end of his illustrious international career.

Jesus had confirmed during his press conference that a meeting was held with Ronaldo on Tuesday evening and that matters were settled before the end of the day. 

“Cristiano Ronaldo did not refuse to train. There are no issues. He told me: if you want me to play, I’ll play, if you want me to sit on the bench, I will. If you want me in the stands, I will,’’ 

he said.

“A player’s status does not give him special rights. I am the one who decides. I can promise what I want, am the coach,” 

Jesus added.

According to the statement by Ronaldo, he said, after the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, he made the decision to leave the national team camp. 

“In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team camp. Now is the time to wish good luck to all my teammates without exception,” 

he said.

The troubles between Jesus and Ronaldo dates to the Portugal vs Norway match in UEFA Nations League, when the former decided to keep the latter on the substitutes’ bench and instead handed Joao Felix and Gonzalo Ramos the chance to start, with Ronaldo getting no minutes at all.

However, no official indication has come from the Portuguese star or the Federation on the player’s possible retirement from international football.