Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he deserves to be punished for leaving the national team camp but insisted that the incident will not mark the end of his international career.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward broke his silence in a lengthy statement shared on his official Instagram page on October 6, following his decision to leave Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen ahead of their Nations League fixture against Denmark.
Ronaldo acknowledged that his actions had consequences and said he was prepared to accept whatever punishment the Portuguese Football Federation deemed appropriate.
“The Portuguese Football Federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them. I believe the punishment should not be reduced,” Ronaldo said.
“I have already apologised, but I know that actions have consequences.”
His departure followed a reported dispute with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his involvement in the team’s matches against Norway and Denmark.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on September 27 before reportedly learning that he would not start against Denmark. He subsequently left the national team camp, sparking speculation that he may have played his final match for Portugal.
However, Ronaldo has now made it clear that he intends to continue representing his country.
“If I am physically well, playing for my club, with goals, I hope, after serving the suspension that may be applied to me, I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” he said.
Ronaldo Accuses Jorge Jesus Of Breaking His Word
In his lengthy statement, Ronaldo also provided his version of events leading to his departure and accused Jesus of breaking an agreement they had reached on two occasions.
According to the Portugal captain, he and Jesus initially agreed on a plan to manage his fitness, under which Ronaldo was expected to miss the matches against Norway and Denmark.
However, Ronaldo said the plan changed on the day Portugal faced Norway after Jesus told him he would play for 30 minutes.
“Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn’t called on,” Ronaldo said.
“The manager had broken his word to me.”
Ronaldo said the incident was later discussed in a meeting involving himself, Jesus and Al-Nassr sporting director Simao Coutinho.
He claimed they subsequently agreed on how the situation would be explained publicly and prepared an eight-point document outlining what would be said.
Ronaldo stressed that he never demanded an apology from Jesus but wanted the coach’s public explanation to accurately reflect their private discussions.
Among the points Ronaldo said were agreed upon was that he had accepted Jesus’ original plan, had not questioned his decisions and had remained professional throughout the situation.
He also claimed Jesus acknowledged that he had made a mistake by asking him to warm up against Norway without eventually bringing him onto the pitch.
Ronaldo said Jesus had subsequently broken his word for a second time.
“It was the second time he had broken his word to me,” Ronaldo said.
“I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises.”
Jesus has disputed Ronaldo’s account, denying that such an agreement was made with the player, although he has reportedly left the door open for Ronaldo’s return to the national team.
Ronaldo Rejects Talk Of International Farewell
Despite being 41, Ronaldo also dismissed suggestions that his remaining time with Portugal should be turned into a farewell tour.
He said he does not want to be treated as a player preparing to retire from international football, insisting that his priority remains competing for the national team.
“I have heard a great deal of talk about farewell matches, that I must have a dignified farewell and that the Federation wants to give me that opportunity. I learned in life, often hungry and with nothing to eat, that no one gives anything to anyone,” Ronaldo said.
“I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that. But when I think of the national team, what I really think of is competing.”
Ronaldo currently holds the world records for international goals and appearances, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
He has also played a major role in the country’s recent success, helping Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League twice.
Ronaldo Recalls Father’s Death
The Al-Nassr star also recalled one of the most painful moments of his international career to demonstrate how deeply he values representing Portugal.
Ronaldo said that when he received news of his father’s death while on national team duty, he chose to remain with the squad until after their next match.
“That is what I thought on the day I was given the news of my father’s death. I was at a camp with our national team, and I decided to stay there until the end of the match the following day,” he said.
“I did for the country what I would never do for any club.”
Ronaldo’s latest statement appears to have ended speculation that his departure from the Nations League camp was a signal that his international career was over, with the Portugal captain instead making it clear that he intends to return after serving any punishment imposed on him.
