In Copenhagen, Portugal’s camp has been unsettled by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure after a disagreement over his expected role in the matches against Norway and Denmark. The forward did not take part in the team’s latest training session and went from the stadium back to the hotel before leaving the gathering.
The news from the club
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus had said that Ronaldo had been told in advance that he would not play against Denmark. He also described a similar plan for the Norway match, although he admitted that the course of the game briefly made him reconsider.
“I told Cris he would not play against Norway or Denmark,” Jesus explained. “Then, during the match, I thought I might need him. I asked him to warm up but did not bring him on. Any player who warms up for 30 minutes and does not play will be frustrated, whether his name is Cristiano or Pelé.”
Jesus had initially expected Ronaldo to train with the squad, but the 40-year-old instead declined to join the session. The episode prompted an urgent visit to the camp from Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, who travelled to Copenhagen to address the situation.
The coach maintained that there had been no major dispute to settle. He said he had been pressed into speaking with Ronaldo about a problem he did not believe existed, adding that their conversation centred on the player’s public willingness to accept whatever decision was made.
Ronaldo’s position, as relayed by Jesus, was clear: “I am here for whatever you decide. If you want me to play, I will play. If you want me to sit in the stands, I will do that.”
Jesus said Proença had come because he had seen the discussion developing in Portugal and wanted to establish what had happened. By the time the squad had eaten dinner, the coach said, the matter had been resolved — even if events later pointed in a different direction.
A possible departure from Denmark
Ronaldo was expected to leave Denmark that same evening. A private aircraft was due to travel from Madrid to Copenhagen to collect him, ending his time with the national side during the current international window.
