Cristiano Ronaldo could be facing a ban of up to six months from the Portugal national team after sensationally storming out of the team’s training camp amid a row with manager Jorge Jesus
The star, 41, landed in Madrid in the early hours of Thursday morning after flying from Copenhagen, where Portugal are due to face Denmark, on his private jet.
He had been seen leaving the Parken Stadium in the Danish capital on Wednesday after missing a third consecutive training session.
Ronaldo later confirmed in a statement on Instagram that he had left the team’s camp because of comments made by Jesus in his press conference.
The Portugal boss said the captain would not start the Denmark clash, just days after sitting on the bench for the entirety of the 2-1 win in Norway, but insisted there was no issue between the two.
And reports in Portugal claim Ronaldo could be suspended from playing for his country for between one and six months if he is found to have ‘abandoned’ the team.
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary code states: ‘Any player who, having been regularly called up, unjustifiably abandons or fails to appear for training, a match, or any activity of the national teams or related to the sporting representation of the FPF or Portugal, will be sanctioned with a suspension of one to six months.’
Ronaldo said: ‘After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp.
‘In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
‘Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates.’
Ronaldo’s decision to quit the Portuguese camp has sparked suggestions he may retire from international duty and has even prompted the intervention of the country’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
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