The Portugal camp fractured abruptly on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad after missing two training sessions, bringing a troubled episode to a close just as Jorge Jesus begins his spell as national-team coach.
Ronaldo’s departure came despite efforts from Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença to persuade him to remain with the group. A meeting had been held before the new coach took charge in an attempt to define the 41-year-old forward’s place in the international set-up, but the discussion did not prevent the split.
Nothing during the current gathering had initially suggested such a break was imminent. Yet Ronaldo’s position had become increasingly delicate after several unsettled years around the Portugal side, and the situation finally erupted this week.
The manner of his exit sits sharply against the scale of his international record. Ronaldo leaves the camp with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, numbers that underline an extraordinary career with the Seleção, even if this latest departure offers no grand farewell.
