The 41-year-old forward announced his decision on Wednesday, a day before Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark.
“Following the national team manager’s press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team’s training camp,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
The Portugal captain added that he would tell supporters “the truth about the reasons behind my departure” at a later date.
His announcement came hours after Jesus publicly denied that Ronaldo had refused to train, insisting there had been no dispute between them.
Ronaldo’s departure follows training controversy
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) had confirmed that Ronaldo did not participate in Wednesday’s final training session ahead of the Denmark fixture.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola published footage that appeared to show the Al-Nassr forward leaving Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium in a federation vehicle. The report said he departed shortly after Jesus had indicated that he would take part in training.
Spanish sports outlet Marca subsequently reported that Ronaldo intended to travel by private flight to Madrid.
Portugal’s squad later arrived at their hotel without Ronaldo. Jesus was also absent from the group’s arrival, although their whereabouts were not immediately known.
Jesus denies Ronaldo refused to train
Speaking to reporters earlier on Wednesday, Jesus rejected suggestions that Ronaldo had refused to train with the squad.
“He didn’t refuse. He’s going to train today,” the coach said.
Jesus explained that Ronaldo’s individual gym sessions on Monday and Tuesday were consistent with his usual post-match routine. He also said he had spoken with the forward but insisted there had been no incident to resolve.
According to Jesus, Ronaldo had told him: “I’m here for you to decide. If you want me to play, I’ll play. If you want me to go to the stands, I’ll go.”
The coach’s comments came after Ronaldo missed Portugal’s 2–1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday.
Ronaldo was left unused against Norway
Ronaldo did not feature against Norway despite warming up during the match. Jesus ultimately decided against bringing him on, after previously indicating that the forward could come off the bench.
The Portugal captain subsequently trained separately from the main group, working in the gym rather than joining team sessions.
The situation attracted further attention after Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença travelled to Copenhagen. A Bola reported that Proença had altered his plans to meet Ronaldo and Jesus before Thursday’s match.
Ronaldo’s departure now leaves Portugal facing the Denmark fixture without their record goalscorer, although the circumstances surrounding his exit remain unclear.
Portugal captain promises to explain his decision
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading international goalscorer, with 146 goals, and holds the national appearance record with 234 caps.
Last week, he expressed frustration with media coverage, saying journalists had been trying to “kill” him for years. He also said he could leave the national team if the manager no longer wanted him in the squad.
His latest statement confirms that he has left the camp, but he has yet to provide the fuller explanation he promised supporters.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League, with the focus now firmly on the impact of Ronaldo’s departure and the response from the national team.