The key facts
- Jorge Jesus said he asked Ronaldo to stay with the national team but respects his decision
- Ronaldo left the team without permission after a conflict with the coach and missed three training sessions
- Ronaldo has 146 goals in 233 official matches for the national team — a world record
Coach comments on Ronaldo's departure
Portugal national team head coach Jorge Jesus said that he asked forward Cristiano Ronaldo to stay with the national team. His words were cited by the Portuguese outlet Record.
What preceded the departure
The conflict between Ronaldo and Jesus occurred during the international break. According to Gazeta.Ru, the 41-year-old player left the national team's camp without permission and missed the last three training sessions after the coach did not field him in the match against Norway in the Nations League. After a press conference at which Jesus did not guarantee Ronaldo a place in the lineup for the game against Denmark, the forward headed to the airport and flew out on his private plane.
Context
Ronaldo remains the world record holder for goals and appearances with a national team: he has 146 goals in 233 official matches. Portugal's best result at World Cups remains fourth place in 2006 — Ronaldo was already playing for the national team at that time. Earlier, as the outlet Gazeta.Press reported, Portugal announced a ceremonial farewell to the forward. There are no official reports in the publications on whether Ronaldo is ending his international career or whether the conflict can be resolved.
