Cristiano Ronaldo Opens Door for Portugal Return, Apologises for Walk-Out

Cristiano Ronaldo has opened the door to a return to the Portugal national team after apologising for his controversial walk-out and accepting that he could face disciplinary action.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward left Portugal’s training camp ahead of the Nations League meeting with Denmark after being left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 victory over Norway.

In a lengthy statement released on Tuesday, Ronaldo accused head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice over an agreement concerning his involvement in the international matches.

Ronaldo said Jesus had initially agreed that he would miss the matches against Norway and Denmark as part of a plan to manage his fitness. However, he claimed the coach later told him he would play for 30 minutes against Norway.

Ronaldo said he warmed up from half-time but was not brought onto the pitch, which he described as the first breach of their agreement.

He added that he later met Jesus and agreed that the coach would clarify the situation publicly. According to Ronaldo, the explanation given at the subsequent press conference did not reflect what they had agreed.

Ronaldo said he therefore decided to leave the camp rather than wait for what he described as another broken promise.

However, he acknowledged that walking away was wrong and apologised to his teammates and supporters.

“I owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp,” Ronaldo said, accepting that his position as captain made his actions more serious.

He also said he would accept whatever punishment the Portuguese Football Federation decides to impose.

Despite the dispute, Ronaldo made it clear that he has not retired from international football.

He said that if he remains physically fit, continues performing for his club and serves any suspension imposed on him, he will remain available to represent Portugal.

Jesus had already indicated that Ronaldo could return to the national team if he wanted to, despite the disagreement between them.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.