Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Portugal's camp? CR7 promises to “tell the truth”
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he decided to leave Portugal's training camp after speaking with the Federation president. CR7 has yet to reveal the reason, but delivered a powerful message: “In due time, I will tell the truth.”
It is no longer just a report. Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed through his Instagram account that he decided to leave Portugal's training camp following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
CR7's statement came after head coach Jorge Jesus' press conference and raised further questions about a situation that had already drawn attention after the forward remained on the bench against Norway.
Cristiano confirmed his decision but stopped short of explaining his reasons.
“After the National Team coach's press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team's training camp,” he wrote.
“In due time, I will tell the truth”
The strongest part of Cristiano's statement came when he promised to eventually reveal the full story behind his decision.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.”
CR7 therefore made it clear that there were reasons behind his decision, although he chose not to disclose them for now.
Cristiano ended his message by wishing Portugal and his teammates well.
“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates, without exception, good luck.”
Could the Norway benching have played a role?
Before Cristiano confirmed his departure, Jorge Jesus had acknowledged that the forward may have been frustrated by what happened against Norway.
CR7 had previously featured in Portugal's victory over Wales, but the situation changed in the following match.
Jorge Jesus had decided Ronaldo would not play against Norway. During the game, however, he reconsidered and asked the forward to warm up.
Cristiano spent approximately 30 minutes warming up but ultimately did not enter the match.
“I told Cris he wouldn't play against Norway or Denmark, and then during the match I thought: maybe I'll need him. I asked him to warm up and then didn't bring him on. Any player who warms up for 30 minutes and then doesn't play will feel frustrated. Any player, whether his name is Cristiano or Pelé,” the coach explained.
Those comments now carry additional significance, although Cristiano has not confirmed that his departure was connected to being benched.
Jorge Jesus had insisted there was no problem
Before Ronaldo's statement, the Portugal coach had attempted to play down suggestions of a conflict.
“I was forced to talk to Cris about an issue that didn't exist. There was nothing to talk about. We only discussed what he said at the press conference, when he said: 'I'm here for whatever you decide. If you want me to play, I'll play. If you want me in the stands, I'll go.'”
Jorge Jesus also revealed that the Federation president had joined the team to find out what was happening.
“The Federation president came, obviously, because he has to be here with the team. He had seen what was being said in Portugal and wanted to know what had happened, but after dinner we had already resolved the problem, which wasn't a problem at all.”
Cristiano later confirmed that after speaking with the Federation president, he decided to leave the training camp.
Cristiano had not refused to train
Jorge Jesus had also denied suggestions that Ronaldo refused to train.
“Cristiano worked in the gym, did mobility exercises on the pitch and then strength work at the hotel. That's exactly what happened. He will train today. Come and watch the session and you'll see him,” he said.
However, following that press conference and his conversation with the Federation president, Cristiano decided to leave.
The major question now is what happened that led CR7 to make that decision.
Ronaldo himself has promised to answer it — just not yet.
What we know about Cristiano's Portugal departure
- Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he decided to leave the camp after Jorge Jesus' press conference and a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president.
- Jorge Jesus had previously acknowledged CR7's frustration after warming up for around 30 minutes without playing against Norway, although there is no confirmation that this caused his departure.
- Cristiano has not revealed his reasons yet and promised that “in due time” he will tell the Portuguese people the truth behind his decision.
