Cristiano Ronaldo declared: "I am not leaving the Portugal national team"

Cristiano Ronaldo published a detailed statement revealing his version of events that led to his departure from the national team camp. He claims that coach Jorge Jesus did not keep his word regarding playing time, takes full responsibility for his departure, and apologizes to the fans and the team. Alongside this, he makes it unequivocally clear that he is not retiring from the national team and will be available to return after serving his punishment.

Cristiano Ronaldo published a detailed statement this evening (Tuesday) revealing for the first time his full version of the events that led to his departure from the Portugal national team camp. Ronaldo claims that coach Jorge Jesus did not keep his promise regarding playing time, after being assured he would play about 30 minutes against Norway but did not enter the field at all. The Portuguese star takes full responsibility for the decision to leave the camp and apologizes to the Portuguese people, his teammates, and the fans. He admits he was wrong not to approach the fans after the match. Ronaldo clarifies that the federation should punish him for the departure, and that his status as captain should be considered an aggravating factor. The central message: he is not retiring from the Portugal national team. If fit, he will continue to play for his club, and after serving his punishment, he will be available to return to the national team. Coach Jesus has already stated that the door is open for Ronaldo.