The 41-year-old forward announced his decision in a statement on social media on Wednesday, 30 September, following a press conference by Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença.
“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 said.
“In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been fully committed.
“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates, without exception, the best of luck.”
Portugal confirm Ronaldo’s departure
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently confirmed that Ronaldo had left the training camp in Copenhagen.
The federation said preparations for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Norway would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Ronaldo’s departure came after he was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Disagreement over his role
The situation followed comments from Jesus, who confirmed that Gonçalo Ramos was expected to start against Denmark.
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo had been unhappy after warming up against Norway but was not brought on. The coach insisted there had been no major incident and maintained that decisions on team selection rested with him.
Ronaldo’s exit means he will miss Portugal’s meeting with Denmark, while his availability for the subsequent match against Norway is also affected by his departure from the camp.
International future remains uncertain
Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football. His promise to explain the circumstances behind his decision has left questions about his immediate future with Portugal unanswered.
The forward remains Portugal’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 234 caps and 146 international goals.
For now, Ronaldo has wished his team-mates well, while Portugal continue preparations for their Nations League fixtures.