Ronaldo accepts punishment for leaving Portugal camp, not retiring
October 6, 2026 22:30
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he will not retire from international football but believes he should be punished for walking out on Portugal's Nations League camp after what he described as a "breach of the coach's trust". The 41-year-old left the squad after being an unused substitute against Norway and then being told he would not start against Denmark.
KEY CONTEXT
Ronaldo, captain and Al-Nassr forward, has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances — figures the statement described as world records — and was part of squads that won Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo said he had already apologised but that "actions have consequences" and that "The Portuguese Football Federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them. I believe the punishment should not be reduced." He also wrote that, provided he is "physically fit, playing with my team, and hopefully scoring goals", he would like to continue representing Portugal and that "After my suspension period ends, I will be available, as I always have been, to compete and win with our national team."
DISPUTE WITH THE COACH
Ronaldo offered his account of events with manager Jorge Jesus. He said the coach had originally agreed a plan for him to miss the Norway and Denmark fixtures to manage his fitness but, on the day of the Norway game, told him he would play for 30 minutes. Ronaldo said he warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes go by and was not called on.
A subsequent meeting, he said, produced an agreement and an eight-point document stating he had never demanded playing time and had respected the coach's decisions, while noting the mistake of being asked to warm up and not brought on. Ronaldo wrote that the agreed notes did not require Jesus to apologise but that the coach's public remarks did not reflect their private discussion, adding: "It was the second time he had broken his word to me. I decided to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises."
MANAGER RESPONSE
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has said the door remains open for Ronaldo to play for the national team.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Ronaldo referred to a "suspension period"; he said he will be available to return once that period ends. The Portuguese Football Federation will assess the consequences of his actions, according to Ronaldo's statement.