Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on Portugal exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to address the speculation surrounding his potential departure from international football. The 41-year-old player revealed that he is not retiring from the national team, despite his recent exit from Portugal's Nations League camp. Ronaldo's sudden departure had raised doubts about his future with the team, following a disagreement with his coach, Jorge Jesus.

In his lengthy statement, Ronaldo apologized for his actions, acknowledging that he should be held accountable for his behavior. However, he also accused Jesus of breaking his word, claiming that the coach had agreed to a plan that would keep Ronaldo out of the upcoming matches against Norway and Denmark. According to Ronaldo, Jesus informed him of his playing time just before the Norway game, breaking the previously established plan.

Ronaldo stated that he warmed up for the Norway match from the half-time point but was not called upon to play. He further alleged that his coach presented a different version of events to the media after the match, which contradicted his own account. Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, including victories in Euro 2016 and the Nations League, but his age and declining performance have drawn criticism.

His form at the summer World Cup, where Portugal exited in the round of 16, and his disappointing performance in the Nations League opener against Wales, where he missed a scoring chance and was substituted after 67 minutes, have further fueled the speculation about his international future.