Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised for leaving Portugal’s training camp before the Denmark match. He said he wants to return after serving any suspension imposed on him, provided he is physically fit and playing for his club.

In a five-page statement released on Tuesday, six days after his departure, the Portugal captain gave his account of the dispute. He accused national coach Jorge Jesus of twice failing to keep his word.

Dispute Over the Playing Plan

Ronaldo said Jesus had proposed a plan in which he would play the first and last matches of the camp. The coach also planned three to four changes per game to manage players’ physical condition.

According to Ronaldo, Simão Coutinho, Al Nassr’s sporting director, attended that discussion. Ronaldo said Jesus later visited his home in Lisbon and confirmed the arrangements agreed in August.

The captain said he rejected an offer to stay in Portugal rather than travel with the squad to Norway and Denmark. He felt that accepting special treatment would set a poor example, and said Jesus agreed.

Ronaldo played at Alvalade and said he accepted being substituted without causing a problem. He handed the captain’s armband to Bruno Fernandes himself.

On the day of the Norway match, Ronaldo said Jesus unexpectedly asked whether he was ready to play 30 minutes. Although this was outside his recovery and training plan, he agreed.

He said he warmed up from half-time but was never called on. Ronaldo described this as the first time the coach failed to keep his word.

What Ronaldo Says Was Agreed

Ronaldo said he met Jesus and Coutinho 48 hours later. According to his account, they agreed that the coach would address the dispute at the start of his press conference.

He said Jesus had promised to explain that Ronaldo had never demanded playing time. The coach would also say that he had proposed the plan himself and had made a mistake by asking Ronaldo to warm up without using him.

Ronaldo said a short document summarising the discussion was prepared after a video meeting involving Jesus, Coutinho and Tiago Craveiro. He approved the document, which was then given to the coach.

However, Ronaldo said the press conference did not reflect their private agreement. He described the coach’s tone as aggressive and regarded it as a second broken promise.

He said he then decided to leave because he had lost trust in the coach’s word. He also felt that staying would harm the group.

Apologies and a Possible Return

Ronaldo accepted full responsibility for leaving the camp and apologised to his Portugal teammates. He said the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol should assess and punish his conduct.

He argued that his position as captain should count against him, rather than soften any punishment. He said the same rules should apply regardless of a player’s status.

Ronaldo also apologised for not greeting supporters after the Alvalade match. His apology included Portuguese fans and visitors from other countries who may have attended to see him.

He said he had prepared a letter to the Portuguese public after the 2026 World Cup, to be shared when he permanently leaves the national team. But he made clear that his current aim is to compete and win.

Ronaldo said there would be time for one or more farewell matches. After serving any suspension, he said he would remain available for Portugal if he was physically well and playing for his club.

Source: CNN Portugal: “Cristiano Ronaldo explica decisão de abandonar estágio: leia o comunicado na íntegra”, published 6 Oct 2026.