Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença reportedly travelled to Copenhagen airport in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Cristiano Ronaldo from leaving the national team squad.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that the pair tried to persuade the Portugal captain to remain with the team ahead of Thursday’s Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo announced on social media on Wednesday that he was leaving the camp following a conversation with Proença. The 41-year-old said he would explain his reasons in due course, while the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed his departure.
The forward had been expected to train at Parken Stadium on Wednesday but left before the session began.
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According to Marca, Ronaldo returned to the team hotel to collect his belongings before heading to the airport for a private flight to Madrid. Jesus and Proença followed him but were unable to change his mind.
The FPF did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the newspaper’s account.
The departure came just hours after Jesus said Ronaldo would take part in training and denied there was an ongoing problem between them.
The coach confirmed they had spoken privately on Tuesday after Ronaldo remained on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo had been angry with him but described the disagreement as “water under the bridge”.
The FPF disciplinary code provides for a suspension of between one and six months from the national team for players who leave without permission. However, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo’s departure falls into that category, and no disciplinary action has been announced in the report.
His exit leaves questions over his international future, with Portugal preparing to face Denmark without their captain and record goalscorer.
