Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen was left staring at an empty space on the eve of a Nations League assignment after Cristiano Ronaldo chose to leave Denmark just hours after arriving with the squad.
Key takeaways
- Ronaldo departed Portugal’s gathering ahead of the third Nations League matchday.
- Head coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proença went to Copenhagen Airport in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade him to remain.
- The Portugal captain collected his belongings from the team hotel after leaving the training venue.
- His private aircraft arrived from Madrid at about 22:15 and left Denmark for the Spanish capital at 23:35.
- No formal decision has yet been announced on Ronaldo’s future with Portugal.
A sudden exit from the Portugal camp
The 40-year-old had travelled to Denmark alongside his international team-mates for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixture. But shortly after comments made by Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo left the stadium where the squad had been due to train.
He returned to the team hotel to retrieve his possessions and arranged for his personal jet to fly in from Madrid. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner then headed for Copenhagen Airport, bringing an abrupt end to his stay with the national side.
Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença were informed of the captain’s intention to leave and travelled to the airport themselves. They continued their efforts to convince him until the last moment, but Ronaldo maintained his decision and boarded the aircraft.
An uncertain moment after 23 years with Portugal
Ronaldo’s departure has the feel of a significant break in a Portugal career that has lasted more than 23 years. The forward has long been the defining figure of the Seleção, both as captain and as its record-setting scorer.
For now, however, there has been no official confirmation that he has retired from international football or that his Portugal career is over. What is clear is that the squad will continue its Nations League preparations without its captain after an extraordinary night in Copenhagen.
