Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after coach says he'd be benched again - ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he has left Portugal's national team camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League game against Denmark on Thursday.

Ronaldo announced his exit in a statement on Wednesday, shortly after coach Jorge Jesus said he was not planning to start the 41-year-old in Thursday's game in Copenhagen. Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons for his decision «in due course.»

Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men's international soccer with 146 goals and pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, didn't play on Sunday in Portugal's 2-1 win over Norway. He has not trained with the rest of the group since, sparking widespread rumors about a possible feud with Jesus.

«After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp,» Ronaldo posted on Instagram.

«In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself.

»Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception."

The star striker did not practice Wednesday and reportedly left the stadium where the team was preparing for the match.

Jesus said earlier in the pregame news conference that every player knows the coach makes the decisions, and that Ronaldo told him he would abide by whatever choices he makes.

The coach added the «rules are the same for everyone» and that Gonçalo Ramos would start up front against Denmark if everything went to plan.

«I don't know what's going to happen in the game,» Jesus said. «If we need [Ronaldo] to play [at some point], he'll play. If not, he won't.»

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