Ronaldo suspended as Portugal ban looms after camp walkout
Photo: REUTERS
Portuguese Football Federation suspended Cristiano Ronaldo after he stormed out of the national team’s training camp following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
The conflict began when Jesus instructed Ronaldo to warm up during Portugal’s 4-2 Nations League victory over Norway, but kept him on the bench for the entire match. Ronaldo considered the decision an insult and left the camp.
He then issued a detailed apology that even recommended punishment from the federation, yet major fallout continues to unfold.
British newspaper Mirror reported that federation regulations automatically triggered the ban, leaving the disciplinary council to decide the final length between one month and six months.
A suspension exceeding one month will prevent Ronaldo from competing in Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. Although the disciplinary council will examine all factors - including the player’s apology - ESPN anticipates that officials will likely impose a short-term penalty.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ronaldo said, “I also owe an apology to my national team colleagues for leaving the camp. Despite the clear breaking of trust in the coach’s word, and as those who witnessed those conversations can confirm, I should not have done that.
“The responsibility falls on me alone. I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but breaking the promise made to me has, for me, a decisive impact. I felt that from that moment onwards, my staying would only harm the working group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I no longer felt useful: I packed my bags and left.”
He added, “The consequences of this action must be assessed and I must be punished for them by the Portuguese Football Federation. I am aware that there should be no mitigating circumstances for the punishment. I am not just any player; I am the captain of the team, and this constitutes an aggravating circumstance.
“I have already apologised, but I know that situations must have consequences. Everyone who works in football as I do knows that regardless of each person’s standing, the rules apply to everyone.”
Meanwhile, Jesus minimized the disagreement, saying, “I read the statement and now I am doing my job as I do every day. I am going to the federation to work and think about the team.”
Since making his international debut, Ronaldo has earned 234 caps for Portugal while scoring a record 146 goals.
