JUST IN: Why I left Portugal camp — Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo detailed his departure from the Portugal national team camp in a personal statement on X. The 41-year-old captain accused coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word on two occasions. Ronaldo prepared a farewell letter to the Portuguese people after the 2026 World Cup. The Federation president Pedro Proença urged him to stay, and Ronaldo supported Jesus as the new coach.

When the current head coach was announced, Ronaldo expressed happiness with the choice, believing it was the right option as the results would confirm. However, Jesus later outlined a plan, telling Ronaldo he would play the first and last matches. Ronaldo refused a proposal to skip Norway and Denmark trips, stating he couldn't accept it.

On the Norway match day, the plan changed. Ronaldo was asked if he was fit to play 30 minutes, which he said was outside his physical recovery plan. When he did not greet the fans after the game, Ronaldo apologized, calling it a failure. A private meeting with Jesus and Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho resulted in an agreement that Jesus would clarify the situation in the next press conference.

Ronaldo claimed the actual conference did not match the agreement. This was the second time Jesus had broken his word, leading Ronaldo to leave the camp. Ronaldo apologized to his teammates and the Portuguese public, accepted the federation's punishment without mitigating factors, and emphasized that rules are equal for everyone.

He rejected purely ceremonial farewell matches and expressed his desire to compete and win for the National Team when he is physically well.