Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his recent experiences with the Portugal national team, detailing his reasons for leaving the squad following their game against Norway.
In the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo had prepared a letter for the Portuguese people, intending to announce his retirement from international duty. However, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation urged him to reconsider and continue representing his country.
After that, the federation's head sought Ronaldo's opinion on the appointment of their new head coach. The forward expressed his support for Jorge Jesus, believing it to be the right choice, which filled him with optimism at the announcement of Jesus as national team coach.
Later, Jesus reached out to Ronaldo, proposing a personal meeting. At the Cidade do Futebol, the coach outlined his expectations, emphasising Ronaldo's pivotal role in his plans. He presented a strategy for the forward's involvement: Ronaldo would play the first and last matches of the camp, with the other games adjusted for fitness and rotation.
Jesus also suggested that Ronaldo not travel with the team to Norway and Denmark, allowing him to play the initial match, then stay back in Portugal, before joining the squad just before the home clash at Dragao.
Ronaldo rejected this proposition.
"I felt it was obvious that I couldn't accept that. Just because I wouldn't have played matches abroad doesn't mean I stop being the captain of our team. Such a privilege wouldn't set a good example," Ronaldo explained.
According to Ronaldo, Jesus acknowledged his stance. The meeting also included the sporting director of Al-Nassr, Simao Coutinho, who had previously worked under Jesus last season.
Before the squad assembled, Jesus met Ronaldo again at his home in Lisbon to reaffirm their agreements from August.
Ronaldo participated in the match at Alvalade and reacted calmly to being substituted, handing the captain's armband to Bruno Fernandes without fuss.
However, events took a turn before the Norway game. During lunch, one of Jesus' assistants notified Ronaldo that the coach wanted to speak with him. Jesus unexpectedly asked if he was ready to play for 30 minutes.
Ronaldo agreed, despite this not aligning with his recovery plan. He was informed that he should be ready to come on as a substitute.
"I warmed up during the break, watched the minutes go by, but I was never called. The coach broke his word to me," stated Ronaldo.
Following this, Ronaldo made the decision to leave the national camp, not waiting for any further breach of their agreement.
Ronaldo also recounted a conversation with the federation president and Jesus on the morning of the press conference, during which he directly asked if they wanted him to remain in the squad, urging them to be honest if his presence was no longer required.
"They both replied simultaneously that my place is in the national team," he shared.
Ronaldo emphasised that throughout his nearly 25-year career, he has never interfered with the technical or tactical decisions of national team coaches.
Nevertheless, he admitted that he should not have left the squad unilaterally and apologised to his teammates.
"The responsibility lies entirely with me. I once again apologise to the Portuguese people, but for me, breaking my word is a matter of principle," Ronaldo noted.
The forward indicated that he is prepared to accept any punishment from the Portuguese Football Federation, acknowledging that his captaincy should be considered an aggravating factor.
Furthermore, Ronaldo dismissed rumours regarding an imminent farewell match. He acknowledged that such an event may happen in the future, but insisted his current focus is on continuing to compete for the national team.
Ronaldo reminded everyone that even after the passing of his father during a national squad gathering, he remained with Portugal until the conclusion of their next match.
In conclusion, the player confirmed that he is not closing the door on the Portugal team.
"If I remain physically fit, play for my club and score goals, and if I am available after any potential suspension, I will be here to play and win for our national team as I have always been," Ronaldo stated.
