Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from Portugal’s national team training camp has taken a new turn, with Spanish journalist and Ronaldo’s close friend Edu Aguirre revealing what he says happened behind closed doors.
The controversy began during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire match despite spending around 20 to 30 minutes warming up. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus later acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy about not being brought onto the pitch.
According to Aguirre, the disagreement went beyond the decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench. He claims that Ronaldo subsequently held a private meeting with Jorge Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Aguirre alleges that during the meeting, Jesus apologized to Ronaldo for having him warm up without eventually bringing him on and promised to acknowledge his mistake publicly at the next press conference.
However, Jesus did not make such an admission at the press conference. Instead, he stressed that team selection and substitutions were ultimately his responsibility. He also said that while Ronaldo was understandably disappointed after warming up without playing, there had been no major incident between them.
Aguirre says the difference between what was allegedly discussed privately and what Jesus said publicly left Ronaldo deeply disappointed and contributed to his decision to leave the training camp.
Ronaldo subsequently confirmed his departure in a social media statement, saying that after the coach’s press conference and a conversation with FPF president Pedro Proença, he had decided to leave the national team camp. He added that he would explain the reasons for his decision to Portuguese supporters “in time.”
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure but did not provide details of the disagreement, saying preparations for the upcoming fixtures would continue with the remaining squad members.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Ronaldo could face disciplinary action, potentially including a suspension of up to six months, for leaving the national-team camp without authorization. The reported punishment remains a possibility rather than a confirmed sanction.
The claim about a private apology and an alleged promise to address the matter publicly has so far been attributed to Aguirre and has not been independently confirmed by Jesus or the Portuguese Football Federation.