‘Tell me the truth’: Ronaldo spills beans after stunning Portugal exit
Cristiano Ronaldo has no plan to retire from international football just yet, but he says he deserves a sanction for breaching his coach’s trust by leaving team camp.
A cloud is lingering over Ronaldo and Portugal since he left the team’s camp after learning he was not starting in the side’s Nations League clash with Denmark. He was also left as an unused substitute against Norway in the previous game.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut with the national team in 2003. Getty Images
The striker did not inform his teammates of his decision to leave team camp, but has since reflected on how poor that choice looks on him as a leader.
Ronaldo posted a lengthy statement about his sudden departure from the team camp, where he admitted he should be sanctioned for his recent poor choices.
“The Portuguese football federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them,” he wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“I believe the punishment should not be reduced. I have already apologised, but I know that actions have consequences.”
Ronaldo went on to clarify that prior to the tournament, head coach Jorge Jesus suggested he should not travel with the team to face Norway and Denmark. He was, however, told he would join the team for their home game against Wales.
Ronaldo said he refused the idea put forward by his coach as he “was still captain of our team” and should not abuse the privilege of representing his country.
The 41-year-old was then asked to meet with his coach on game day against Norway, where he was asked if he was fit to “play 30 minutes” or not.
Despite saying he was ready to take the field and warming up to come on after half time, he says the coach “failed to keep his word” and left Ronaldo on the bench.
“I just wanted everything to be over with a victory and to be left alone,” Ronaldo continued, recalling his experience being left on the bench.
“I did not go to greet the fans. That is a failing that is solely my responsibility and should not have happened. I apologise to the fans ... and to those who may have travelled there to see me, and whom I may have disappointed.
“For me, the truth is still the most important thing in the relationship between people. No matter how much it may hurt, tell me the truth.”
Ronaldo in action at the World Cup. AP
Ronaldo claims he was told twice more by the federation and Jesus that his place was, in fact, with the national team, but they “broke their word”.
“When they broke their word to me, I feel that my place is not there,” he said.
While his statement ended in an apology, it has been reported that Ronaldo had issued an ultimatum that he will not return to the national team if Jesus is coach.
That decision comes just months after he claims he had been asked and told Pedro Proença, the president of Portugal’s football federation, that he felt Jesus would be a suitable appointment as head coach of the national team in July.
Jesus told reporters on Sunday that if the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to resume his international career, “he’ll return to the national team”.
“... but Cris is the one who’s going to decide,” Jesus made clear.
Ronaldo says he will make himself available once his suspension period ends – the federation has yet to comment if any sanction will be given to the striker.
