This may be the end of an era. Cristiano Ronaldo, the legend of world football, unexpectedly left the training camp of the Portuguese national team. According to Portuguese media reports, the 41-year-old star’s decision is the result of a sharp conflict with coach Jorge Jesus. Is this the end of CR7’s representative career?
/Shutterstock
After winning the match against Norway (2-1) in the Nations League, the atmosphere in the Portuguese national team rapidly deteriorated. It all started with coach Jorge Jesus’ decision to take off first Cristiano Ronaldo from the field during the match against Wales (1-0), and then put him on the bench in the match against Norway, which Portugal won 2-1. The legendary striker did not like this treatment and, according to media reports, he expressed his dissatisfaction in a conversation with the coach.
Ronaldo – Jesus line conflict
Tuesday’s training of the Portuguese national team took place without the participation of Cristiano Ronaldo. The federation did not officially provide the reasons for the absence, but journalists quickly determined that there was a serious tension between the captain and the coach.
The situation was so serious that the highest officials of the federation, including president Pedro Proenca, came to Copenhagen, where the Portuguese are preparing for the match against Denmark, to calm the conflict.
Ronaldo speaks out
Despite mediation attempts, the situation has not been resolved. On Wednesday morning, the media reported that Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team training camp. The footballer himself issued a statement on social media:
“After the press conference with the national team coach and the conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the training camp. At the appropriate time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese about the reasons that made me leave the national team, to which I have always devoted myself. Now it is time to wish good luck to Portugal and all my teammates, without exception,” wrote Ronaldo.
CR7’s future in the national team is in doubt
Manager Jorge Jesus firmly denies that there is a conflict, but the situation seems serious. Is this the final end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career? Let us recall that the 41-year-old striker played as many as 234 matches for Portugal and scored a record 146 goals.
Will fans see Cristiano Ronaldo in national colors again? The answer to this question remains open, and the whole of Portugal is following the developments with concern.